If you are looking for something How long does a knee MRI Scan take? Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the knee uses a high-strength magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to take very detailed images of the knee joint structures. MRI is generally used to aid in the diagnosis of or assessment of pain, weakness, swelling or bleeding in or around the knee joint.
What does a knee MRI mean?
A knee MRI can produce images of dynamic different types of structures inside the knee joint (bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles and blood vessels) from dynamic different perspectives.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field, as well as radiofrequency pulses, to yield the images generated, and then a computer to generate very high quality pictures of what is inside your body. Importantly, MRI does not expose patients to any radiation.
What are some common indications for the procedure?
MRI tends to be the best test to evaluate for injuries involving the major joints of the body including the knee joint.
This evaluation is usually done to evaluate or assess:
- pain, weakness, swelling, or bleeding around and within the knee joint
- cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, or tendon tears or injuries
- sports-related knee injuries, including possible tearing of ligaments, cartilage, or tendon sprain
- an incomplete fracture or other osseous injury that wouldn’t have manifested on x-ray or other imaging tests
- arthritis damage
- joint effusion
- infection (osteomyelitis)
- tumor (primary and metastatic) bone/tissue injury
- necrosis (dead bone)
What do I need to do to prepare?
Whether to eat and drink prior to an MRI is different for different exams and facilities. If you do not receive instruction from your doctor, eat food and take regular medications the same way as always. The most commonly used contrast material in MRI is a product called gadolinium. Gadolinium can be administered in patients who have a known allergy to iodine contrast.
Things To Consider Prior To The Exam
In some cases, you may get medicine that will help make you sleepy and reduce your anxiety. Your provider may suggest an “open” MRI, which is where the machine is not as close to the body.
Inform your provider prior to the test if you have:
- Brain aneurysm clips
- Certain types of artificial heart valves
- Heart defibrillator/pacemaker
- Inner ear (cochlear) implants
- Kidney disease/dialysis (you may not be able to receive contrast)
- Recently placed artificial joints, or surgical repairs using metal plates and screws
- Stent placed in your vascular system
- Worked with sheet metal in the past (you may need to get a test to rule out metal pieces in your eyes)
What to Expect During the Test
An MRI exam is painless, though you’ll have to remain still. Too much motion can blur MRI pictures and make your results less accurate.
The table will likely be hard or cold, but you may request a blanket or pillow. The machine will make loud thumping and humming sounds when it is turned on. You can use ear plugs to help mask the noise.
Conclusion
Knee MRI is an imaging procedure that does not require invasive techniques to allow for an extensive review of the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues without exposing the patient to radiation. What is a Knee MRI Scan and How Should You Prepare for It? knee pain, sports injuries, arthritis, infection, and tumors, and to assist in determining surgical or other treatment recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I prepare for an MRI of my knee?
When Should You Get an MRI for Knee PainTo get ready for a knee MRI, let your physician know if you have a metal implant, history of allergies, kidney disease, or claustrophobia.
Q. Do I have to go all the way in for a knee MRI?
No, your entire body doesn’t need to be inside the MRI scanner for a knee MRI. For a knee MRI, your lower body will go into the scanner, including your knee.
Q. Can I eat before a knee MRI?
If your physician doesn’t explicitly tell you to fast for 4 to 6 hours beforehand, you should be permitted to eat a normal diet leading up to the knee MRI, especially if sedation or contrast dye will be utilized.
Q. Is a knee MRI painful?
No, a knee MRI is not painful. You will not feel pain from the magnetic fields or the radio waves used with the scanner, but you may be uncomfortable holding the still position for a long time, being cold from the table, or having the noise of the machine.
Q. What is the cost of an MRI of the knee?
The average cost of MRI scans ranges from approximately ₹3,000 to ₹6,000; however, contrast MRI or MRI for both knees can be ₹7,000 to ₹16,000.
