MR of the knee joint
Extremely accurate and often used for knee joint conditions and injuries is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test allows precise imaging of both bony and soft tissues.
It is used, among others, by the PP DIAGNOSTYKA medical center in Poznan. This technology uses a strong magnet, radio waves and an advanced computer that can allow the detection of many abnormalities.
People who practice sports such as basketball, soccer, skiing, running or tennis are particularly prone to injury.
What are the indications for an MRI of the knee joint?
Facilitating diagnosis, an MRI of the knee joint is a painless and non-invasive test. It usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. It is usually indicated in cases of:
- A worrisome or inconclusive X-ray result,
- joint fluid accumulation,
- Infections and inflammation,
- Locking or instability of the joint during walking or movement,
- signs of damage to the muscle, cartilage or ligaments.
- Knee pain that does not go away despite treatment.
The only contraindication that may prevent this examination of the knee joint is the presence in the body of electronic medical devices or metal components with ferromagnetic properties, such as a pacemaker, orthopedic screws, insulin pump. Note that currently many implants are allowed to be examined in the high electromagnetic field that occurs in MR. This is mainly because they are created from alloys such as titanium, which do not exhibit ferromagnetic properties.
What are the uses of magnetic resonance imaging?
Magnetic resonance imaging can be used at short intervals, even in children and the elderly. It allows assessment of knee structures: ligaments, meniscus, cartilage, vessels, or also surrounding muscles. The doctor can determine the presence of effusions, internal bleeding, observe abnormalities in the bone marrow (e.g. swelling after trauma) and soft tissues, i.e. the joint capsule, synovial membrane and tendons.
Knee MRIs are often performed to assess the effectiveness of the therapy undertaken or to control the effects of a surgical procedure performed, such as after cruciate ligament reconstruction.