MRI Scan

MRI machines (magnetic resonance imaging) use magnetic waves to stimulate tissues. This is different than X-rays. MRI scans are painless and may or may not require injections of special dyes. The signals produced by the stimulated tissues are picked up a special scanner and sent to a computer to be interpreted. The computer assembles all of the signals into an image the shows the physician a cross section of your knee. MRI is capable of picking up soft tissues like ligaments. This capability is not possible with X-rays and allows your physician to determine if ligaments are damaged.

An MRI machine has a large hollow tube with a table that you will lie down on in its center. The typical time required to take a scan varies but should be between 10 to 45 minutes. During the scan time, the technician will instruct you to lie as still as possible.

You can't have an MRI if you have anything magnetic in your body, including metal pins, clips, or plates. You also can't have this type of scan if you have a pacemaker. Make sure your physician knows if you have any metal in your body.