Do I Need An MRI Of My Knee? 

I went to my doctor about an injury to my knee but I couldn't recall an incident that caused me to have the pain ( I didn't want to make something up). Sadly, he refused to do an MRI and just told me to do some home remedies. I have been putting up with pain for years. Finally, a new doctor ordered an MRI and I need surgery due to years of no treatment . If he would have ordered an MRI I could have had the proper treatment and it could have prevented me injuring my knee further. Thank you both for explaining this ! Happy New Years!

You briefly mentioned scoping the knee. I know 2 people who had arthroscopic torn meniscus removed and wish they hadn't. Somewhere I read how that's only beneficial if the joint had trauma.

I love how you give us good information and save us from costly unnecessary things! MRI's are very expensive in the US and like you said, other X-rays are sufficient for diagnosing most problems. I had a scope on my knee about 20 years ago and both knees are giving me problems now. The knee that had the scope always pops when I get up from sitting and take my first step. And of course stairs are my biggest challenge. I'm happy to see doctors like you who don't order unnecessary things! Medical treatment of any kind is so expensive these days! And I've found as I've gotten older the need for doctors and treatment has grown with each passing year! However, if another doctor tells me that I'm Old, I'll probably slap them! 😋 That's a horrible thing to tell a patient! 🤨 We all age every day! Telling a patient that they're old is just a cop-out! Of course we creek and pop when we walk but we're still walking! But thanks to you we're armed with better information and know what problems to present to our doctor! Old is not a diagnosis, it's simply a fact of life! Sure parts wear out and we're not as spry as we used to be but we're still participating in life! Thanks for sharing another great and informative video!

Going through pain in one knee right now so relevant for me. Thanks for the information.

Just a big THANK YOU for your channel. I am having my 1st TKR Jan 3 & going in completely comfortable. My history with Ortho Docs is that humour seems to be part of your DNA. My 1st Dr told me 35 years ago, "You know Rod they don't last forever", another after a small accident said, while we looked at my xrays,"If you don't mind me saying that is the ugliest knee I have ever seen". Laughter is a great medicine.

I decided to forgo the recommended MRI by my ortho after my xray was normal with almost no sign of arthritis. Intense PT and taking a break from running cured my knee pain and I'm back to doing what I was doing before activity wise. Make sure they treat your condition and not an MRI/image.

Loved the information. It is great how diagnostic tools have advanced. They must make figuring out what you need to do much easier.

You guys are so informative and entertaining. I love your channel. I've had my knee replaced and, believe it or not, my surgeon DID order an MRI. I live in the States, so he probably just wanted to fleece my insurance company while doing the test within his own facility, but we'll just leave that one right there on the floor. That being said, I'll continue to watch you and share your videos. Keep up the great work!

I found what you said about no longer doing a scope in an arthritic knee interesting. I had one done 10 years ago and it definitely helped me. Although, the damage inside my knee was so bad that the Dr. wanted to replace it right away. Well, I went another 10 years before having it replaced. I’m glad I waited as I know there were other people out there who needed theirs done way more than I did. I was still very mobile and they were hobbling around with canes and walkers. I still didn’t need a cane or a walker on a regular basis when I finally had mine replaced but I finally had pain so that is why I went ahead and had it done.

I usually don’t like to hear risk factors on anything but I’ve never been under the knife and under anesthesia. I’m probably gonna regret this but if you guys could do a movie on any of the risk factors or how great anesthesia is and how simple things are???? 💃

Interesting. Always wondered about differences between the imaging tests like x-ray vs. MRI vs CT scan vs. ultrasound... I had knee x-rays first and then went on to MRI which showed torn meniscus. Now I understand why they did it that way. Hope you are enjoying the holidays and getting some good rest, too.

I have this same argument with a Circle C healthcare company at the moment. In August 2021 not being able to see my NHS General Practitioner (GP) and over the phone I was being told their was nothing wrong with my knees I consulted a Private Knee Consultant he saw me for 2 minutes did not examine me charged me £250 and prescribed an MRI scan. I already had an x-ray stating XR Knee Both : Left knee. Chondrocalcinosis is present within the menisci. Marked narrowing of the medial compartment of the knee itself in keeping with degeneration. Lateral compartment is maintained. Very early degeneration developing at the patellofemoral joint. Right knee. Chondrocalcinosis is present within the menisci. Marked narrowing of the medial compartment of the knee itself. Lateral compartment is maintained. Early degeneration of the patellofemoral joint. The degeneration has worsened bilaterally compared to previous imaging. The private knee consultant prescribed and MRI scan then charged me £150 to rewrite the radiologist report. Then demanded £18K per knee for total knee replacement. I only found the cost of the MRI when I was entering the scan room £689.00p I got up set. I was then referred by my GP to a private hospital paid for by the NHS. The second knee consultant talked me into having a cortisone injection in both knees which lasted 4 days. and blocked me from having knee surgery for 6 months. They just used x-rays from the NHS hospital. After 4 months I found a Lithuanian clinic who stated 3 months was the waiting period. They just used x-rays. Just before going to Lithuania I saw the Practice Plus knee consultant in North Dorset and they just used x-rays. I did not like the facilities. Had my left knee replaced more recently I have been trying to get my right knee replaced. Currently I am wearing an off set brace. I have been accepted at Salisbury NHS Hospital for a knee replacement they just used x-rays. Wait time is 6 months to 1 year. I also been to a Practice Plus Group hospital in Southampton where the wait time is 6 weeks. They just used x-rays. Circle C health care have been chasing me to pay for the MRI scan which I refused as I believe it was totally unnecessary,

I love you Dr's ❤ unfortunately I do have an advanced stage of arthritis 😢 waiting for the surgery

Thank you for this video. I need an MRI!

I had an ACL replaced 30 years ago and I recently had a couple of incidents where I hurt the knee (more than usual). So I went and saw a specialist, she took one look at my knee and said I can see what is wrong, usual process for a dodgy knee is an MRI, but in your case I only need to do an xray to confirm it, but you look like you have advanced arthritus. One xray later, severe arthritis diagnosis, does it hurt a lot or impact on your life style - no - okay come back when it does and I'll do a knee replacement.

My left knee is stiff, like it can't move back and forth after a prolonged sickness that affected my kneecap, I've been so skeptical about having a TKR but after going through your videos I must say I'm kind of now relaxed on getting a TKR. Though I'm still gathering the funds for it.

Good info as usual…no point in getting tests etc. if not absolutely necessary…

Thank you for your videos. What do you do if you've been diagnosed with knee arthritis - Ortho Dr. says knee's not bad enough for replacement. PT is not working. Gel injections not working. Still in pain. Advil only takes the edge off the pain - but you want more relief from the pain to get on with life....?

Bone on Bone on x-ray (right knee) starting popping behind the knee for the past 6 months and keeps getting worse.. Dr. recommended an MRI as he thinks it may be baker cycsts or possible bone spurring. We shall see what happens next.

Good afternoon docs. Had my meniscus repaired 20 ish years ago it didn’t help. The doc said I needed a knee replacement in my mid 40 s no thanks now early 60 it swells up big time. I guess I will live with it till I get it fixed. Y’all throw some more wood on the fire . Florida going down to freezing tomorrow night . Thanks doc for the video.😊

Xrays don't always show everything but I agree MRI's aren't needed for everything either. Ultrasound can be done for soft tissue too. I have insider info lol spurs n spikes torn tendons ligaments you name it. Loved this as always Thank you guys💜

My Ortho guy ordered one before my first TKR but not my second which was also bone on bone. He said it helps them know exactly the paths to trace during robotic surgery. Not sure why then, he did not do one on the 2nd. I'll ask him when I go for my final appointment in Feb.

A standing knee x-ray can show more than an MRI scan. It is not possible to obtain a standing MRI scan. To show "narrowing of the medial compartment of the knee"

Great video! Will an MRI show evidence of a previously healed injury? Specifically a muscle, tendon, ligament or nerve injury in the leg?

Thanks docs, my wife had one knee replaced two years ago now her right knee is giving her fits, swollen around the knee and down to her foot and upper leg also, giving her a lot of pain, we've been icings it that helps for a bit but then as soon as she walks on it its back to hurting again. she's 73. educated guess?

Hey docs, I thought that you always need a knee MRI… take care merry Christmas 🎄 😊

Excellent info. Thanks Docs.

That would be me most of the time with my baker's cyst and then more of my osteoarthritis of the knee.

Hey you guys. I love you but I don’t agree with this video at all. I’ve had arthritis in my knee since my early 20s. I was told when I was 24 that I had knees of a 64 year old. In my 30s and 40s the doctors would cringe when they looked at my knees and at my x-ray. But I did not have a lot of pain associated with the arthritis. Other than kneeling or walking down steep hills. I’ve had 9 operations with about, three or 4 of those to trim a torn meniscus. All operations were successful, and allowed me to continue doing what I was doing. Believe it or not what I was doing was backcountry powder skiing, hiking, biking. I kept it. Low impact as powder is low impact to a knee but I was skiing steep terrain. I also was able to skate ski for years as long as it was not icy. I could not handle ice, but any other form of snow was great. I can guarantee you that my x-rays looked horrible when I was in my 30s and 40s and I am 62 today and still have not had a knee replacement. I know based on my x-rays, I would easily qualify for a knee replacement. Based on my pain level, I would not. I agree the MRIs are not always necessary but surgery even if you have arthritic knees can be performed to clean up loose bodies and trim meniscus. I guess I don’t get why you sort of act like if you have arthritis you don’t get any options to clear up loose bodies and torn meniscus. This makes no sense to me.

I had severe arthritis for many years. Steroid shots, pain pills, zanax... I finally changed my diet 4 years ago and I feel younger than I did at 40. I'm 67 now. Dr. Eric Berg on youtube gave me all the answers.

After arthritis diagnosis, are there any measures we can take that will reduce the likelihood of knee replacement, besides physical activity and whole foods plant diet? Should I not do any running at all if over 50yrs?

Hi guys, love your channel! I'm curious if you can do a video about disc replacements, I've been reading that disc replacement therapy has been more successful than fusion in dealing with back pain. Is there any truth to this in your knowledgeable opinions?

Smart MRI tube contractors could make people's terror subside by painting "Where's Waldo" or find the cat, etc., games on the inside hehe. I had an MRI once on my arm and found it oddly relaxing in there but a game would be nice to decrease the bordom lol.

I injured my knee, didn't go to my ortho until 5 wks. later. He ordered a x-ray and I have mild degenerative changes & no fracture. My DR said he's seen 30 yrs. old have worse knees than me. He gave me a cortisone shot, no help, & oral steroids, no help, in fact I had such severe pain I went to the ER to see if I had a DVT, D-dimer was neg. My DR ordered another x-ray which was neg. Anyway, finally my DR has ordered a MRI which I will have next wk. He now thinks I could have a stress reaction/stress fracture. The horrible thing is that I injured my other knee last yr. and 6 mos. later had surgery, a partial meniscectomy. Then 4 mos. later I injured the other knee! What Gives? I've had it w/knees Last yr. my MRI was June 20th this new one will be June 18th! Stupid!

The only reporting difference between an MRI scan and a x-ray is the MRI scan stated how big the tears are/were in my meniscus.

GREAT INFORMATION!!!!

Hey docs I've been recently diagnosed with patella baja and I have a scan to do next week can you please do a video about this condition it would be so appreciated😊

Thank you.

Thanks!

Years ago, I was injured on the job. The specialist took x-rays of both knees. I was told, 'We have bad news and not so bad news. You have a torn ACL in your left knee and we found arthritis in your right knee.' My thought, 'Did you have to x-ray both knees?' 🤣🤣 Dr. Brad, growing out the mustache again or is this a previously planned video for the holidays? You guys have a great Christmas!

Thanks Gentlemen.

Would you recommend an MRI for a patient 2 yrs post op from bilateral tka that continues to be painful and stiff? My knee has not bent beyond 77° since 6 wks post op and my surgeon keeps telling me it's fine because the xrays show no loosening and it's in the correct position. He has said its everything from RA to Osteoarthritis to myofacial pain to fibro. I've tried multiple rounds of PT and daily exercise and lost all my extra weight. My inflammatory markers are very low and blood work shows no infection. He's a great doctor and I have almost 30 years with him, but now what?

I have had a few MRI's of my knees. One left me dizzy for a few days, the others for a day or two. Have you heard of the strong magnetic field being a health hazard ? vs. x-rays where I don't feel any of their effects. Else it could it be the injection of the Gadopentetate (MRI contrast) that is giving me the dizziness.

22 years ago I really wrecked my knee. They told me I needed an MRI, I was afraid of being stuck headfirst in a tiny tube. The MRI machine sat on the floor, and I just stuck my leg in. Afterwards, the surgeon sternly, and rhetorically, told me, "DO YOU KNOW HOW BAD YOU TORE YOUR KNEE UP!!!"

I have a MRI with dye for my knee tomorrow.Will the injection stay injected the whole time or it will be pulled out after injecting??

Can patellar femoral arthritis diagnose without MRI?

I had an ultrasound that came back normal for my thigh and knee. Also had a clean X-ray of knee. Is an MRI necessary if it my symptoms are slowly getting better?

Last year my doctor sent me to the local hospital _(Te Kuiti)_ for X-Rays on both knees and the results came back negative, although my knees sound like _rice bubbles - crackling_ but crunchy. I can hear the crunching sound when I walk, even with stethoscope My doctor and I can hear the noise! What can my doctor and do? Send me to the regional Hospital _(Waikato)_ for a MRI? I live in New Zealand!

I had a TKR 4/2021. I still have knee pain that hasn't been relieved through 3 different sessions of PT (6-8 weeks, twice a week for each session). Will an x-ray or an MRI better tell what might be going on in the knee? Sept. 2021 (5 months from surgery), I was knocked over by a dog, but I fell (gently) on the opposite side of the knee replacement, and at that time, the surgeon was not concerned and did not xray the knee. There have been no other incidents with regard to the knee. I hope that was enough information for you to answer my question. Thanks.

So does arthritis show up on a regular x-ray?

Don't you need the mri information to input into the computer for the MAKO

Can you explain what difference a CAT scan provides vs. an MRI for you all as a surgeons? I'm having the CAT scan done next week in anticipation of my TKR in January. I'm guessing measurements resolution needed for replacement guidance?

Hi Doc's 😃, I've got Rheumatoid Arthritis and my left knee can quite often swell and stiffen I had it scoped a few years ago when it was really bad. It did help for these last few years but I can feel it rearing it's ugly head again I have osteo as well. How do you treat this type of problem? I am on Dmards for the RA and I make myself move most of the day

What do I do if I have something like a ligaments or something like a small bones on the Miniscus which makes it ought to walk sometimes like a dragging somewhat ? Also I have a question about my flute seems to hurt from my sciatica nerves but idk if it affects the nerves around my glute on the left side only what is ur opinion on this?? Thanks doctors

hey docs, I got an mri of my knee and everything looked fine, no ligament/tendon tears and menicus and cartilage look good, but I have slight lateral patellar tilt according to the X-RAY and severe knee crepitus, no pain though. Should I be worried? My knee MRI looked completely fine though.

I am all n favor, of limiting unnecessary testing!

I need a total knee replacement but they said they would not do it cuz I am too old I'm 71 what do you guys think about can I get one or not

My knees are the only part of me that haven't turned to garbage. Kidding

Hi I've been advised that I need a knee replacement. I asked about a cortisone injection to help with the pain but my surgeon advised that I would have to wait 12 months to get my knee replacement done. Is this correct.

Yeah, it's my fav guys in blue.... What do you do with someone who is "knock-kneed"?? Merry Christmas and please move to the banana belt of Canada.😀😀😀

X-ray is out of date technology and should be outlawed all together..

Glute

Ho ho ho docs

I believe here in the US it is a matter of revenue for the hospital or surgery center. IMO