MRI KNEE WITHOUT CONTRAST

MRI Knee Without Contrast Overview

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the knee without contrast is one of the most common tests used for imaging the knee joint. 

It employs strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create very detailed images of the internal structures of the knee joint and the test doesn’t require any form of incision or other invasive methods. 

It is used for diagnosing and monitoring injuries, degenerative diseases and inflammatory disorders affecting the knee region. 

What is MRI Knee Without Contrast? 

It’s a type of MRI scan wherein a contrast agent is not used. 

Instead, a strong magnetic field and radio waves are applied to the region of the body that needs imaging, in this case, the knee joint, and an image is produced. 

The procedure is carried out using a large cylindrical machine that has an opening in the middle. 

Types of MRI Knee Without Contrast 

These are some examples of the types of MRI Knee Without Contrast: 

• 1.5 Tesla MRI: This is a standard MRI machine with a strong magnetic field. 
• 3 Tesla MRI: This is a high-field MRI machine with a stronger magnetic field. 
• Open MRI: This machine has an opening that is larger than usual, making it ideal for patients who experience claustrophobia 

List of Parameters Considered During the MRI Knee Without Contrast

The physician will assess these elements during the examination: 

• Meniscal tears or degeneration 
• Ligament sprains or tears 
• Cartilage damage or degeneration 
• Bone marrow lesions or edema 
• Synovial fluid or joint effusion 
• Tendonitis or bursitis 

When and Who Needs to Take an MRI Knee Without Contrast? 

The following situations or symptoms may prompt a healthcare professional to recommend an MRI Knee Without Contrast: 

• Knee pain or swelling 
• Possible injuries like ligament sprains or meniscal tears 
• Destructive disorders such as osteoarthritis 
• Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis 
• Patients with previous knee injury or surgical history 
• Sports inters or physically active people 
• The elderly with knee discomfort or lack of flexibility 

Reasons for Taking an MRI Knee Without Contrast

These diseases or symptoms can be diagnosed or tracked using the MRI without contrast: 

• Osteoarthritis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Meniscal tears or degeneration 
• Ligament sprains or tears 
• Cartilage damage or degeneration 
• Bone fractures or stress fractures 
• Tendonitis or bursitis 

Benefits of Taking the Test

The best way to gain an MRI without contrast is: 

• Non-invasive and pain-free 
• Highly accurate diagnostic images 
• Ability to detect early stages of disease or injury 
• Monitoring of treatment effectiveness 
• No exposure to ionizing radiation 

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Knee Without Contrast

Here are some of the conditions or illnesses that could be diagnosed through MRI Knee Without Contrast: 

• Osteoarthritis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Meniscal tear or meniscal degeneration 
• Sprained or torn ligaments 
• Cartilage injury or degenerative changes 
• Bone injury or stress injury 
• Tendinitis or bursitis 

Preparing for MRI Knee Without Contrast

To get ready for the exam, patients need to: 

• Remove any items made of metal such as jewellery or even glasses. 
• Loose and comfortable clothes. 
• Do not eat or drink anything at least 4 hours before the exam. 
• Any existing medical conditions or implants should be made known. 

Prerequisites 

Some prerequisites that should be known include: 

• Patients need to remain still for the duration of the test and follow breathing instructions. 
• Patients with metal implants or medical gadgets need to inform the technician. 
• Patients suffering from claustrophobia might need to be sedated and require an open MRI machine. 

Ideal Time to Perform MRI Knee Without Contrast 

This test can be done anytime, but it is best scheduled at the times of the day where the knee is most symptomatic. 

Who Is Eligible? 

While those with knee injuries may require this test, other individuals may also be exempted from it: 

• Patients who have metal implants or other devices 
• Patients suffering from claustrophobia 
• Patients suffering from certain chronic medical conditions, like kidney or liver issues. 

How Is An MRI Done On A Knee Without Contrast? 

On average, this test usually takes 15- 30 minutes, and it involves the following steps: 

1. Patient’s positioning: The patient is placed in a comfortable position on the MRI table. 
2. Set-up of coil: Signals are captured by placing a coil around the knee. 
3. Imaging putting a knee joint in an MRI: The MRI machine cuts the knee into a detailed series of images. 
4. Patient’s breathing directions: Normal breathing may continue, although the patient may be asked to hold their breath. 
5. Conclusion: The test is over, and the patient is set free. 

Cautions For The Test 

Patients should tell the technician about everything that concerns them, for example, their conditions, implants or devices and should not wear any limbs or dress that contain metal objects.