MRI: A Safe, Detailed Look at Knee Joints
Doctors use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to examine knee joints without surgery. This non-invasive technique provides detailed images of bones, cartilage, and soft tissues. However, it's important to consider potential risks and preparations before the procedure.
An MRI of the knee focuses on the joint and surrounding areas, offering clear images of bones, cartilage, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, and ligaments. A specific type of MRI, called an MRI arthrogram, uses a contrast fluid or dye for a better view of the knee's structure. This dye, typically gadolinium, can sometimes cause allergic reactions.
Before an MRI, patients should inform their doctor about any medication, allergies, implanted medical devices, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or claustrophobia. People with metal implants face certain risks, such as problems with pacemakers or shifting of implanted screws or pins. Despite these considerations, an MRI is safer than X-rays and CT scans for children and pregnant women as it doesn't use radiation.
Doctors may order a knee MRI to diagnose and treat various conditions. These include arthritis, bone fractures, damaged cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or meniscus, fluid buildup, infection, problems with implanted devices, sports- or trauma-related injury, and tumors. During the test, the patient lies on a table that slides into a large, wheel-like machine. The machine sends out magnetic and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body.
An MRI is a valuable tool for examining knee joints, offering better contrast than other tests and allowing doctors to inspect soft tissues along with bones. However, it's crucial to consider potential risks and prepare accordingly before undergoing the procedure.
