What do you see in an Xray vs MRI if the knee?

In simple words of comparing to very common diagnostic tools were looking at an x ray which can be viewed a “big picture” and MRI which is a “zoomed in” more detailed level of imaging.

When it comes to knees, I honestly only recently have seen more knee x rays due to insurance purposes and following an order of procedure required by insurance before they will cover more detailed imaging.  But, lets say we have a client that had a fall and maybe this particular fall the client can recollect a direct hit to the knee or impact with the floor for which it would be necessary to rule out a fracture.

Another beneficial reason for an x ray of the knee would be to see patella alignment. This imaging would be taken from a superior or aerial view. The most common form of misalignment of the patella is in a lateral or outward shift.

In an MRI however and using the same client reference; let’s say that same client that fell, maybe instead of a direct impact, they recollect a twisting of the knee, right away we’d be looking at seeking MRI imaging for the integrity of the menisci. An MRI of the knee is by far much more common based on the ligaments and cartilage present. It is also common to see both ends of the spectrum with sports professionals, avid runners, high intensity exercise to the other extreme of sedentary lifestyles. Quick one-time incidents and prolonged, overtime, overuse, type incidents alike.

Fall playing sports, pivoting too much or lack thereof, the body went one way and the knee went another is another common reason to desire an MRI as a diagnostic tool.

In a MRI you can expect to have a detailed review of the status of the meniscus, including wear and tear or fraying, status of the hyaline cartilage, integrity of the ACL(anterior cruciate ligament), PCL(posterior cruciate ligament), MCL(medial), LCL(lateral). Of course with that we can also expect to see some details on the tendons of the muscle, edema, and possible but less common cysts.

WHY do we give you this information.. Too often we see peoples injuries fall through the cracks, perhaps people don’t seek medical attention from the right kind of professional OR they don’t know what questions to ask. This is so you can be a solid advocate for your own health. Take control. You only have one body, take good care of it!