MRI KNEE WITHOUT CONTRAST
Also Known As
Lab Test
₹3680
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NABH Accredited
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6hrs
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About The Test
What the scan assesses
An MRI Knee Without Contrast evaluates:
- Ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)
- Menisci (medial and lateral)
- Articular cartilage
- Bone marrow
- Joint fluid and swelling
Why choose non-contrast imaging
- No risk of gadolinium side effects
- Shorter visit time
- Lower cost than contrast studies
- Ideal for most sports injuries and chronic pain
List of Parameters
- ACL & PCL integrity – tears, sprains, or avulsions
- Medial & lateral menisci – bucket-handle, radial, or complex tears
- Articular cartilage – thinning, fissures, or defects
- Bone marrow edema – bruises, stress reactions
- Synovial fluid – joint effusion or bleeding
Why This Test
- Accurate diagnosis without dye risks – see the injury clearly.
- Monitoring healing progress – track ligament or cartilage recovery.
- Pre-surgical planning – surgeons use images to map the repair.
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- No gadolinium-related side effects – no injection, no rare allergic reactions.
- Shorter scan time – in and out in under 30 minutes.
- Cost-effective – pay only for the scan you need.
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Knee Without Contrast
- Ligament sprains & tears – ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL injuries
- Meniscal tears – medial or lateral
- Osteoarthritis – cartilage loss, bone spurs
- Bone bruises – after trauma or sports impact
Preparing for test
Instructions
- Wear loose, metal-free clothing.
- Remove jewelry, watches, and hairpins.
- Inform staff of implants or pacemakers.
Prerequisites
- Doctor’s referral (can be arranged on-site).
- Recent X-ray may be requested if fracture is suspected.
Eligibility
- Pregnant patients: generally safe after first trimester.
- Young children may need mild sedation; discuss with our team.
Procedure for Taking the Test
- Check-in at Cadabams Diagnostics reception.
- Change into provided gown.
- Lie on the MRI table; knee positioned in a comfortable coil.
- Hold still for 20–30 minutes while the machine scans.
- Collect belongings and leave immediately—no recovery time needed.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Notify if you have:
- Pacemaker
- Cochlear implant
- Orthopedic screws/plates (most are safe)
- History of claustrophobia
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description (Example) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Intact ACL & PCL | Continuous, low-signal bands | No tear |
| Horizontal meniscal tear | High signal reaching articular surface | Likely needs arthroscopy |
| Cartilage thinning <50 % | Focal signal change | Early osteoarthritis |
| Bone marrow edema | Patchy high signal | Recent injury or stress |
| Bone Marrow (e.g., Bone Edema) | Areas of increased signal intensity on fluid-sensitive sequences (e.g., STIR or T2 FS) within subchondral bone. | Suggestive of bone contusion, stress reaction, osteochondral injury, or early inflammatory changes. |
| Joint Effusion | Excess intra-articular fluid causing distension of the knee joint capsule. | A non-specific finding. May indicate inflammation, trauma, or internal derangement (e.g., ligament/meniscus tear). |
| Tendons (e.g., Normal Patellar Tendon) | Homogeneous low signal with intact tendon fibers and normal thickness | No evidence of tendinopathy, tear, or inflammation. Indicates healthy tendon structure. |
| Tendons (e.g., Patellar Tendinopathy) | Thickened tendon with increased signal intensity on T1 or STIR images; may have partial-thickness tear. | Represents degeneration or inflammation of the tendon (jumper's knee). Common cause of anterior knee pain. |
| Baker’s Cyst | Well-circumscribed fluid-filled collection in the popliteal fossa, often with neck extending to joint capsule. | Usually secondary to intra-articular pathology (e.g., meniscal tear or arthritis). May cause posterior knee fullness. |
Risks & Limitations
- Limitations in detecting subtle inflammation – contrast may be needed for very early synovitis.
- Metal implant contraindications – pacemakers, cochlear implants, or older aneurysm clips may disqualify you.
- Claustrophobia considerations – open MRI or mild sedation can help.
FAQs
How long does the scan take?
20–30 minutes for most cases.
Is the scan painful?
No, but lying still may feel mildly uncomfortable.
Can I eat before the MRI?
Yes—no fasting required for knee MRI without contrast.
When will I get results?
Reports are available within 24 hours; urgent cases the same day.
Is sedation needed?
Rarely—only if severe claustrophobia or pediatric patients.
What are the next steps after my MRI Knee Without Contrast?
After your MRI Knee Without Contrast at Cadabams Diagnostics, the radiologist will interpret the images and send a report to your referring physician. Your physician will then review these results in conjunction with your symptoms and clinical findings. The next step is usually a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss the diagnosis and collaboratively decide on the most appropriate treatment plan. This may involve physical therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, or, in some cases, surgical intervention.