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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.
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 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
You Can Meet Our Specialists
At The Women’s Imaging Center, we consider it our privilege to care for all patients. We have decades of experience in women's imaging and are dedicated to providing top-level care to all women. Our dedicated team of radiologists, technicians, and staff bring their expertise to knee MRIs and other advanced imaging services.
Kelly McAleese, M.D.
Timothy Colt, M.D.
Barbara Jaegar, M.D.
John Lewin, M.D.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee MRIs
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.
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.
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.
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