Knee
MRI is the best non invasiveway of imaging many of the joints in
the body. Joints are composedof a number of different tissues -
bone, articular cartilage,ligaments and the surrounding muscles and
tendons provide addedstability. MRI can identify all of these
component parts anddemonstrate whether they are normal or not. It
is possible to scannearly all of the joints in the body - hip,
knee, ankle, shoulder,elbow, wrist and even the small joints in the
hands and feet. Forinformation on the Cheltenham Knee Unit, click
here. The knee is acomplex joint with a number of internal
structures, all of whichcan give rise to symptoms. MRI is excellent
at imaging the internalanatomy of the knee. These structures are
not seen on X-rays. Shown below are some of the more common
conditions which can causesymptoms.
Cysts & Fluid
Collections
Cysts and fluid collections
around the knee can form in a variety of locations eg. Bakers Cyst
behind the knee joint. MRI can accurately identify these and help
decide the best treatment. Symptoms: Swelling pain
MRI
Shows
a Bakers Cyst behind the knee, a cause of discomfort &
swelling.
Meniscal Tear
The menisci are 'horse shoe'
shaped cartilages which sit between the thigh bone (femur) and the
shin bone (tibia). Their function is to provide cushioning and
stability. The menisci can become torn following sports injuries,
twisting injuries or from wear and tear.
Symptoms
Pain,
Swelling, Locking, Giving way
MRI
Shows a tear in the inner (medial) meniscus. The tear is seen as a
straight white line. A normal meniscus should be black
throughout.
Cruciate Ligaments
The cruciate ligaments
(anterior cruciate ligament ACL & posterior cruciate ligament
PCL) are strong internal stabilising structures within the knee.
The anterior cruciate is much more commonly injured than the
posterior cruciate. Twisting knee injuries, especially sports
injuries (such as skiing, football & netball) can lead to ACL
rupture.
Symptoms
Instability,
Pain, Swelling, Locking, Giving way.
MRI
Shows
a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament ACL. Skiing accident.
Case studies:
