You may need a Knee MRI if you are experiencing ongoing knee issues such as persistent pain, instability, swelling, stiffness, or locking of the joint. It is also commonly recommended after sports injuries or when other tests have not provided enough information. Doctors often request a Knee MRI to investigate suspected ligament tears, meniscus injuries, cartilage damage or early signs of arthritis.

A Knee MRI can detect a wide range of conditions, including ligament tears such as ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL injuries, as well as meniscal tears, cartilage loss, tendon damage, and bone bruising. It can also identify arthritis, cysts, inflammation, infections, bursitis, tendonitis and complications following knee surgery.

A typical Knee MRI scan takes between twenty and thirty minutes to complete. The appointment may take slightly longer if both knees are being scanned or if a contrast agent is required, although this is rare.

A Knee MRI offers significantly more detail than an X-ray or ultrasound because it can clearly show soft tissues such as ligaments, cartilage and tendons. While X-rays are useful for detecting bone fractures and ultrasound is good for superficial tendon issues, MRI is the most comprehensive imaging method for diagnosing knee joint problems.