Finding the right tests…
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Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
MRI
When your left knee is the one that's hurting - after a fall, a sports injury, or a twisting movement - your doctor may order this scan to look at that knee specifically. It images the ACL and PCL, the ligaments on either side of the joint, both menisci, the cartilage lining the bones, and the surrounding tendons. A single-knee scan like this is typically used when the injured side is already clear, rather than when both knees need checking for comparison. It uses magnets and radio waves, not X-rays, so no radiation is involved. What the images show usually guides whether physiotherapy, bracing, or surgery makes sense next.
This scan looks specifically at your left knee's ligaments, meniscus, cartilage, and tendons. It can show a torn ACL or PCL, a meniscus tear, cartilage damage, or fluid buildup in the joint. Your doctor reads the images alongside your symptoms and exam findings to work out what's going on.
A left knee MRI images only the left side, focusing on the ligaments (ACL, PCL, and the collateral ligaments), the medial and lateral meniscus, the cartilage covering the ends of the bones, and the tendons around the joint.
This version is ordered when the injured or painful knee is already known - after a specific fall, twist, or sports injury on the left side. It's a narrower, faster study than a scan covering both knees, which is more useful when doctors need to compare sides or check a condition affecting both.
- Torn or sprained ligaments, including the ACL and PCL - Meniscus tears, in either the medial or lateral meniscus - Cartilage wear or damage - Fluid buildup or swelling inside the joint
MRI is generally accurate for meniscus tears, though how reliable it is differs somewhat by which meniscus is involved - one study comparing MRI against arthroscopy found detection somewhat more consistent for the medial meniscus than the lateral one. Ask your doctor how your own results fit your symptoms.
This version only images your left knee, which is faster and is typically ordered once your doctor already knows that side is the problem. A both-knee scan is used instead when comparison between sides is needed.
No. MRI uses magnets and radio waves to build the images, not X-rays, so there's no radiation involved.
Yes, MRI is commonly used to look for ACL and PCL tears along with meniscus and cartilage damage. Your doctor combines the images with your exam findings to reach a diagnosis.
Not for a standard knee MRI. Contrast is only added if your doctor has a specific reason to request it.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
It usually runs somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many sequences are needed. Ask the centre for a more precise estimate on the day.
Preparation mainly involves removing metal jewelry, watches, and other metal objects before the scan. Ask your doctor or the centre directly about anything specific to your situation, including implants.
No. It's read together with your doctor's physical examination and your symptoms, not used on its own to reach a diagnosis.