Knee MRI

MRI for Knee Pain at The Women’s Imaging Center

With an MRI, knee injuries can be assessed by out experienced radiologists, providing insight into your discomfort and pain.

(303) 321-2273

Examine the Knee With an MRI Scan

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints, especially within the active Colorado population. Injury to the knee can occur from trauma, accidents, and more. An MRI of the knee can check the extent of an injury after a sudden trauma, diagnose a ligament or meniscus tear and the degree of that tear, and evaluate a finding discovered by an X-ray.

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI of the knee uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed 3D images of the knee and joint space. These signals convert to images for radiologists to interpret and distinguish normal tissues from injured tissues.

What does a Knee MRI Show?

Radiologists use regular X-rays to examine fractured bones caused by trauma. Yet for the components within the joints and between the bones, MRI can provide more detail. A knee MRI can detect:

Meniscus tear or injury

Tendon injury

Ligament tears

Soft tissue swelling

Hemarthrosis

Subtle injuries commonly occurring in the knee include meniscus, tendons, and ligament tears. The meniscus is the cushion between the knee bones, while ligaments are the fibrous bands that hold the joints together, and the tendons connect bones to muscles. These are all best evaluated by MRI. Furthermore, if the MRI results show a meniscus tear within the knee joint, the MRI will be helpful to your orthopedic surgeon. The MRI gives an orthopedic surgeon a more detailed map for future surgery.

Sometimes an MRI only shows swelling of these soft tissue structures, rather than a tear. Injuries such as simple sprains and fluid within the joint will usually resolve on their own. Sprains may take time to heal, and physical therapy may be beneficial. Fluid within the joint space can remain in the same area or diffuse within the surrounding soft tissues. If blood is present in the knee joint as a result of trauma, it is called hemarthrosis.

What If I Am Claustrophobic?

The fear of being in closed or narrow spaces is known as claustrophobia. A common fear, claustrophobia results in some patients being apprehensive about having an MRI. At The Women's Imaging Center, we use an MRI machine with an especially wide bore (opening) — so wide that you can touch the sides with your outstretched arms. Since we perform dedicated MRIs of many organs, such as the joints, breasts, pelvis, and abdomen, our machine is also shorter than most MRI machines found at hospitals. We use an Espirit MRI, also called an "open MRI" by the manufacturer Siemens.

During the exam, you will be able to see out since your head will be near the end of the magnet. The MRI technologist will talk to you throughout and can make any adjustments needed to make you more comfortable. In the majority of cases, medication isn’t necessary. However, if you don’t feel comfortable undergoing the MRI without sedation, you can request oral anxiety medication, which you must coordinate with the timing of your MRI exam under our advice. You will also need a designated driver, a Lyft, or an Uber to drop you off and pick you up, as you are not allowed to drive after taking the medication.

How a Knee MRI Is Performed

The Women’s Imaging Center performs all knee MRI scans at the Denver/Cherry Creek center.

1. Before the MRI

Please tell us about any medical conditions and prior surgery you have had. Certain items or situations may prevent you from getting the MRI since they can interfere with the magnets. These include: **Metal or metal fragments:** Tell us about any metal or metal fragments in your body, such as those that resulted from an accident. If you are a current or former metal worker, let us know. You could have small metal fragments in your eyes due to an occupational hazard. We may ask to do an X-ray prior to performing the MRI. **Planted devices: ** These may include pacemakers, defibrillators, aneurysm clips, auditory hearing implants, neurotransmitters, internal wires or electrodes, implanted pumps or ports, surgical mesh, or any coils, stents, or filters. Many newer models of pacemakers and defibrillators are compatible with MRI. Speak with your doctor about which kind you have. **Tattoos or piercings: ** Permanent piercings or certain types of body or face/makeup tattooing could prevent you from having an MRI. For safety, all jewelry and piercings must be removed.

2. During the MRI

The MRI imaging may take 25 to 35 minutes, depending on whether special imaging sequences are needed. The complexity of the joint or injury may affect the time needed to perform the imaging scan. The magnets of the MRI machine make a loud, clunking sound. Our technologists will provide you with headphones so you can listen to music to block out the noise. Many patients fall asleep. Sudden movements may cause irregularities in the images, so you’ll need to remain as still as possible.

3. After the MRI

The MRI will produce hundreds of images of the knee in various sequences. The radiologist will need time to interpret the images, so your results won’t be available right away. We will reach out when they are ready. We’ll also notify your ordering physician, who will be in touch to discuss your results and next steps.

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Meet Our Specialists

Our physicians are dedicated to serving our community, working hard to help women detect breast abnormalities as early as possible. With decades of experience, we are elevating standards in women’s imaging.

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Kelly McAleese, MD

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Timothy Colt, MD

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Barbara Jaeger, MD

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John Lewin, MD

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Kelly McAleese, MD

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Timothy Colt, MD

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Barbara Jaeger, MD

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John Lewin, MD

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee MRIs

When would I need a Knee MRI?

A Knee MRI is often used to find the reason for a complaint or symptom such as pain. For Colorado's active population, knee complaints are common from trauma or other causes. To examine fractured bones caused by trauma, radiologists use regular X-rays. Yet, the components within the joints and between the bones need MRI to look further. Common subtle injuries to the knee are meniscus, tendons, and ligament tears which are all best evaluated by MRI. However, sometimes an MRI only shows swelling of these soft tissue structures and not a tear. Ask your doctor to see if an MRI is the right imaging exam for you.

How is a knee MRI performed?

During a knee MRI, the patient lies on a table that slides into a tunnel-like machine. The machine creates a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the knee. The procedure is painless, but patients may need to hold still for an extended period of time.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with knee MRI?

Knee MRI is generally considered safe and non-invasive. However, patients who have metal implants or devices, such as pacemakers, may not be able to undergo an MRI. Patients may also experience claustrophobia or anxiety during the procedure, but this can usually be managed with medication or relaxation techniques.

Insurance Options We Honor

At The Women's Imaging Center, we accept most major insurance providers and provide affordable self-pay options. If you have any questions about whether we accept your insurance, please contact us at (303) 321-2273.

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Knee MRI Near Me

With multiple location across the Denver area, we make it easy for you to find a “Women’s Imaging Center near me” or a “Medical Diagnostic Imaging Center near me”

Denver 3773 Cherry Creek North Drive #101 Denver, CO 80209 (303) 321-2273

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(303) 321-2273