Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Knee

Knee MRI, MRI of the Knee

Why It Is Done

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee is done to:

• Check for the cause of unexplained knee pain or the knee giving out for no reason.
• Find problems in the knee joint, such as arthritis, bone tumors, or infection, or damaged cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, or tendons.
• Find out if a knee arthroscopy is needed.

MRI may also find a bone fracture when X-rays and other tests do not give a clear answer. MRI is done more commonly than other tests to check for certain bone and joint problems.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 11, 2009
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
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