What is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee?
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the organs and structures inside the body. An MRI can give your doctor information about your knee, the bones around it, and the tissues around it, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
When you have an MRI, you lie on a table and the table moves into the MRI machine.
Why is an MRI of the knee done?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee is done to:
- Check for the cause of unexplained knee pain or the knee giving out for no reason.
- Find problems in theknee joint, such asarthritis, bone tumors, or infection, or damaged cartilage,meniscus, ligaments, or tendons.
- Find out if a kneearthroscopyis needed.
MRI may also find a bone fracture when X-rays and other tests do not give a clear answer. MRI is done more commonly than other tests to check for certain bone and joint problems.
How is an MRI of the knee done?
- You may have contrast material (dye) put into your arm through a tube called an I.V.
- You will lie on a table that's part of the MRI scanner.
- The table will slide into the space that contains the magnet.
- Inside the scanner, you will hear a fan and feel air moving. You may hear tapping, thumping, or snapping noises. You may be given earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise.
- You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
- You may be alone in the scanning room. But a technologist will watch through a window and talk with you during the test.
How do you prepare for an MRI of the knee?
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure you have someone to take you home.
What do the results of an MRI of the knee mean?
The radiologist may discuss early results of the MRI with you right after the test. Complete results are usually ready for your doctor in 1 to 2 days.
Normal: | The ligaments, meniscus, tendons, bones, and joints look normal in size, shape, and location. |
|---|---|
| No growths, such as tumors, are present. | |
| No broken bones (fractures), extra fluid, or loose bodies are present. | |
| No signs of inflammation or infection in bones, joints, or soft tissues are present. | |
Abnormal: | Bones show an injury or a fracture. The MRI also may show a collection of fluid, which could mean an infection is present. |
| Ligament or meniscus tears are present. | |
| Tendon tears are present. The MRI may also show a thickening, meaning surgery or a tear you had in the past or repeated stress. | |
| Growths, such as tumors, are present. | |
| Changes common to arthritis are present. |
©2011-2026 Healthwise, Incorporated