If you have had an accident affecting your knee, if you are getting older, and if you just have put on a few extra pounds, you may notice that one of both of your knees are beginning to hurt as you move around. We use our knees for almost everything we do, and our knees take a lot of wear and tear. It is best to make an appointment to see your physician to find out what is going on. As a result, your doctor may recommend you have an MRI. Let’s discover what to expect during an MRI of the knee.
What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Known as an MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging is one of the most sophisticated tools doctors have to assess what is going on inside our bodies. It is a scan that uses a magnetic field, radiofrequency waves, and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
An X-ray only takes pictures of your bones, whereas an MRI shows bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and blood vessels. You need to know the causes of your pain in order to know the right way to treat it.
What an MRI Might Reveal
The reason for your knee pain might be due to the following:
- Damaged cartilage
- Torn tendons or ligaments
- A fracture
- Osteoarthritis
- An infection
- A tumor
- Arthritis
- A sports injury
- Build up of fluid on the knee joint
How to Prepare for the MRI and What to Expect
- Once you arrive at Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center, you will change into a hospital gown and remove all jewelry.
- Let the technologist know if you have any metal objects inside your body. They can interfere with the test.
- Sometimes you may need to have a contrast material injected so certain areas will be highlighted.
- If you are the anxious type or become claustrophobic, you may be given something to relax.
- You will lie on a table which will slide into the MRI machine feet first. Only the lower part of your body will go into the tube.
- The test may take 30 to 60 minutes.
- Expect that there will be loud sounds within the tube so you can ask for earplugs or headphones, but there will be no pain.
- Once all the necessary images have been taken, you will come out of the machine and change into your regular clothes.
The images will be sent from Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center to your physician for review.
Knee MRI in Dallas
If you are suffering from chronic or severe knee pain, talk to your physician about referring you for a knee MRI.
Call (214) 345-8300 if you have any questions about an upcoming knee MRI with Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center.