Knee MRI Images Explained
Consisting of bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons, your knees are impressive joints that bear your weight every moment you’re on your feet. Unfortunately, as your largest joints, the knees have a number of potential problems. That’s when knee MRI images come into the picture.
When injury or ailment damages your knee joint, the result can be annoying or debilitating pain. With a knee MRI, experts can get to the bottom of your pain so you can get the treatment you need.
A knee MRI provides a clear view of the inner workings of your knee. Using powerful magnets and radio waves, an MRI machine transmits images to a special computer. In some cases, MRI contrast dye is used to highlight particular parts of your anatomy. Using these images, providers can create an appropriate treatment plan, whether you need lifestyle modification or surgical intervention.
What Do Different Knee Injury Images Look Like?
With knee MRI images of injuries, your provider is looking for a few telltale signs of concern. Common issues that are evaluated with a knee MRI include:
Dislocation — The different parts of the knee get out of place. This can be the result of trauma or an abnormal knee structure.
Fluid Buildup — Whether behind the knee or inside the knee joint, fluid buildup can indicate a number of underlying conditions.
Fracture — A fall, sports injury, automobile accident or other trauma can break the bones in and around the knee joint.
Ligament Injury — Sports trauma or auto accidents tear or otherwise injure the anterior (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
Meniscal Tear — Arthritis, aging and sudden twisting or pivoting movements tear one or both of the menisci (shock absorbers between the tibia and femur).
Pain — In cases when knee pain comes and won’t go away without a known source, knee MRI images help get to the root of the problem.
How Do These Images Compare to a Healthy Knee?
A healthy knee MRI shows none of these issues. Instead, all bones, ligaments, cartilage and tendons are in place. There are no tears or breaks. Healthy knees bend as they ought to, without pain.
A knee MRI of someone with a condition or injury will produce very different results. Talk with your doctor if you suspect a knee MRI could reveal an issue.
Are you tired of living with knee pain? Get an estimate of how much your knee MRI would cost by using American Health Imaging’s cost calculator