Are there some things that an MRI just might miss? Or do they 100% show every inch of an area? I just wanted to know because my knee has been hurt since August and I just barely had an MRI done this weekend. I just hope that the Dr will see the problem so it can be fixed......soon
2007-12-10 20:21:39 · 4 answers · asked by *tiffany* 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Most of the time everything shows up on an MRI. They're the most reliable way to see what is going on without having to do surgery.
Generally, when there is a problem with the MRI, it's the radiologist not reading it right.
I had my MRI done two months ago, and it just showed bone bruising, joint contusion, and a torn ACL. My doctor, after examining me, said something didn't seem right, and had me have another one. This MRI, showed all of the above, plus a torn MCL and meniscus.
It can happen, but it's rare for the MRI to be wrong, it's normally the person reading it.
2007-12-10 20:50:00 · answer #1 · answered by kodygrace 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, sometimes an MRI might miss very small nerves connected to the area that could be causing part of the problem. It also depends on how up to date the MRI machine that was used is as well.
Manufacturers of MRI machines such as GE for example are trying to update the machines to make it better to see problem areas. One way they are doing this is by coming up with MRI machines that allow pictures to be taken of the areas when standing up, sitting down, lying on the side instead of just on the back or stomach areas. This type of MRI is called Fonar MRI.
2007-12-10 20:45:22 · answer #2 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best images to get on a joint is an Arthroscope, it's an needle that has a camera on the end, it's put into several places in the joint and pictures are taken, also the doctor can see just what's going on. Your out to sleep, it takes about 45 minutes for the knee and, if necessary, the doctor can mend the problem at the same time.
2007-12-10 22:10:02 · answer #3 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An MRI will miss very little damage, inflammation, infection within the soft tissues. It may not see if you knee joint fluid is infected. No they do not scan 100% of every area, but a series of closely spaced cuts, usually small enough to capture the majority of problems big enough to cause knee pain.
2007-12-10 20:38:12 · answer #4 · answered by Brian M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋