MRI for Knee Pain at The Women’s Imaging Center
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?
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.
Meet Our Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee MRIs
Insurance Options We Honor
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”
Have Questions?
Follow Us