KNEE MRI (MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING) SCAN
What is knee MRI scan?
Knee MRI scan is an imaging modality using strong magnets with appropriate
radiofrequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed images of the knee
joint. The images can be stored in a computer or printed on film. One scan
usually produces many images.
Knee MRI scan is used to detect, evaluate, assess, stage and follow-up of knee
problem.
When is knee MRI scan performed?
A full clinical assessment by a doctor is necessary before the scan.
Most of the knee conditions can be diagnosed by history, physical examination
and plain radiography.
Knee MRI scan is performed in the selected cases. Among the indication
includes
Mechanical knee symptoms such as catching, locking, snapping, crepitus,
feeling of knee giving way and instability.
Swelling, lump or atrophy in and around knee joint.
Knee injury.
Knee pain with fever.
Knee pain that does not get better with treatment.
Limited or painful range of motion.
Signs of damage to the knee muscles, cartilage or ligaments after
assessment by doctor.
Knee MRI scan is also performed for
Further assessment following knee x-ray or bone scan.
When diagnostic or therapeutic arthroscopy is planned.
Recurrent, residual or new symptoms following knee surgery.
What can be seen in knee MRI scan?
The knee is a hinge synovial joint that connects the bones in the upper and lower
leg. It comprised of muscles, ligaments, tendons and the meeting of four bones
(femur, tibia, fibula, and patella).
There are two concave pads of cartilage called menisci at the meeting ends of
the tibia and femur.
The muscles around the knee keep the knee stable, well aligned and moving.
There are two main muscle groups namely the quadriceps and hamstrings.
The few important ligaments and tendons are the patella tendon, cruciate and
collateral ligaments.
The joint is bathed in synovial fluid within the joint capsule.
There are a few bursas (fluid sacs) at the knee.
All the above structures are assessed and interpreted during the scan.
Some of abnormality that may be seen includes.
Bones and marrow
Bone bruises, marrow edema, fractures, cysts, tumors, infection and
dislocations.
Cartilage
Degeneration (wear and tear), tear, cracks and defects.
Osteochondral (combination of the cartilage and the underlying bone in
the joint space)
Fractures, osteochondritis dissecans (cracks caused by blood deprivation)
and osteochondral defects.
Tendons and Ligaments
Sprain, tear, avulsion and displacement.
Meniscus
Tear, degeneration and abnormal menisci such as discoid menisci
Soft Tissues
Muscle tears, strains, tumors and infection.
Intra-articular abnormalities
Loose body and fluid.
Synovial-based disorders
Plicae, inflammation, infection and tumour.
Vascular and neurological conditions.
Aneurysm, stenosis, occlusion, cystic change, denervation and peripheral
neuritis, vessel and nerve entrapment,
Joint effusion with anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Bone bruise.
Soft tissue tumor.
How is knee MRI scan performed?
Knee MRI scan is performed using a MRI scanner. It involves the removal of all
metal objects. In most cases, individual are put on a cotton gown and lie on the
scanners table. The table then slides into the scanner. Some examination may
require the use of a special dye (contrast) injected through a vein or directly into
the joint. The dye helps the radiologist see certain areas more clearly. An
intercom inside the MRI scanner allows for communication with the radiography
staff. Earplug may be used to muffle some noise from the MRI scanner.
Generally, there is no special preparation needed before the knee MRI scan.
However, individual with brain aneurysm clips, certain types of artificial heart
valves and vascular stent, heart defibrillator or pacemaker, inner ear (cochlear)
implants, deep brain stimulators, intraocular metal and recently placed artificial
joints may not be suitable for the scan.
There are no known long-term side effects from undergoing MRI knee scan.
MRI knee scanning is a safe and non-invasive imaging modality. It has emerged
as the imaging modality of choice for evaluation some of the knee problems. The
exquisite detail and superior resolution enable subtle problem to be detected. A
properly performed and interpreted scan contributes to diagnosis and serves as
an important guide to treatment planning and outcome prediction. The
appropriate treatment can begin sooner and with greater certainty. This will
results in more favorable outcomes with fewer complications.
