Mri

[flump1]

Hi all, Mr Flump has ' locked knee' a most painful condition due to a possible tear in tissue in the knee joint. Apparently this can be diagnosed by MRI scan. So far so good. He can't have the MRI until he has been for an X-ray of the affected knee. Seems kind of strange why this is so, can anyone enlighten me ?

[Buenchico]

My understanding is that MRI scans are useful for examining soft tissue but X-rays can be better for looking for bone injuries which might also be present.

This might be relevant:
http://somerset.nhs.uk/EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=13652

[flump1]

Hi Chris, that was my understanding too, the GP who examined Mr Flump and then requested the MRI asked that he ad the x-ray prior otherwise they won't do the MRI ?? That was the bit that puzzles me ! I don't think there is any chance of a bone being out of place by the examination the GP did !

[Daffy6543]

An x-ray is much cheaper and easier to arrange, if this were to show a break it would possibly negate the need for an MRI, it sounds like the NHS trying to save money to me.

[flump1]

Daffy, I think the opposite ! Seems like a waste to me. Why send him for an x-ray when there was only ever soft tissue damage under question ? He has not sustained an injury, this has been gradual for months until today when the knee locked. : ) .

[Sqad]

Basically Buenchico is correct....MRI is for soft tissue.

However see Mr Flump's history...."locked knee" that is almost certainly either ligamentous or cartilaginous and hence an MRI scan is the investigation of choice. MRI's can also identify boney problems.

I cannot see that a straight X-Ray here would be necessary if an MRI had already been arranged.

Sorry.

[flump1]

Sqad, me neither, but the GP was adamant that without the initial x-ray they would not do the MRI ...mighty strange on the Isle of Wight eh? Is this standard procedure ?

[Sqad]

flump...the trouble with medicine today is that the "human, personal" element is being replaced, by "tick box" medicine......".this is what we do so get on with it" mentality.

I suppose that IF, the plain X-Ray shows the abnormality, then an MRI, which is already booked, will be cancelled, but if it doesn't, then one would proceed to the booked MRI.

I must confess, that with the description given by your husband then an MRI would be the most appropriate investigation.

[slaney]

"Many patients have the perception that an MRI is a better test for diagnosing knee problems. That is not true.

Many knee problems are better diagnosed by x-ray, and obtaining an x-ray as the first step is the usual course in diagnosing a knee condition. Knee x-rays give much more useful information about knee alignment, bone quality, and the extent of any degenerative (arthritic) changes within the knee.

An MRI is a useful test as well, but doing an MRI alone won't allow a doctor to get a complete understanding of most knee problems."

That's what it says here...
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/kneesymptoms/a/xray.htm

That seems reasonable - to see the extent of any underlying arthritis for example