MRI Scan Guide
Overview
A knee MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the knee joint. Unlike X-rays, which show only bones, MRI reveals soft tissues including ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the meniscus. This makes it the primary diagnostic tool for knee injuries and conditions.
Knee MRI is widely used after sports injuries, falls, or when patients experience persistent pain, swelling, or instability. It is also used before and after surgery to plan procedures and assess healing.
Because MRI uses magnetic fields rather than ionizing radiation, it is considered safe for repeated use. There is no recovery time, and most patients return to normal activity immediately after the scan.
The procedure
During a knee MRI, you lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. Your knee is positioned inside a dedicated knee coil, which acts as an antenna to capture detailed images. The scanner produces a strong magnetic field that aligns hydrogen atoms in your tissues. Short radio frequency pulses are then applied, and the signals emitted as atoms return to alignment are converted into images. You will hear repetitive tapping or knocking sounds during the scan. The entire process takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Diagnostic value
Preparation
No fasting is required for a knee MRI.
Wear comfortable clothing without metal zips, buttons, or fastenings near the knee. You may be given a gown.
Remove all metal objects including jewellery, watches, and belts before entering the scan room.
Inform the radiographer if you have any metal implants, pacemakers, or cochlear implants.
If you experience claustrophobia, discuss this with the clinic before your appointment.
Most knee MRIs are performed without contrast dye. However, in some cases, a gadolinium-based contrast agent may be injected intravenously to highlight specific structures such as blood vessels, inflammation, or tumours. Your referring physician or radiologist will determine whether contrast is needed based on your symptoms and clinical history.
Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist who produces a detailed report. This report describes the condition of each structure in your knee, including ligaments, menisci, cartilage, and bones. Normal findings are documented alongside any abnormalities. At Mira, every scan also includes a Mira Clarity report that explains your results in plain language with visual guides, so you can understand what was found without needing a medical background.
Understanding your results
Every Mira scan comes with two reports. A medical report from a radiologist for your doctor, and a miraclarity report for you. The miraclarity report explains your knee MRI findings in straightforward language with visual guides, severity indicators, and recommended next steps.
No jargon. No waiting for another appointment just to understand what your scan found. miraclarity is included free with every scan.
Book your scan
A typical knee MRI takes 30 to 45 minutes. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for check-in and safety screening.
No. MRI is completely non-invasive and painless. You simply need to lie still while the scanner captures images.
Yes. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing ACL tears. It can detect both partial and complete tears, as well as associated injuries to the meniscus and other ligaments.
X-rays show bones and can detect fractures or arthritis. MRI shows soft tissues as well, including ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. For most knee injuries, MRI provides more diagnostic information.
Most modern knee implants are MRI-compatible, but you must inform the clinic before your appointment. The radiographer will verify the implant type and confirm it is safe to scan.
A brain MRI produces highly detailed images of the brain, brainstem, and surrounding structures. It is the preferred imaging method for evaluating neurological symptoms because it provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT and does not use ionizing radiation.
A lumbar spine MRI produces detailed images of the lower back, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most accurate non-invasive method for diagnosing causes of lower back pain.
A shoulder MRI provides highly detailed images of the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the shoulder joint. It is the most reliable non-invasive method for diagnosing shoulder injuries.
A hip MRI produces detailed images of the hip joint, including the femoral head, acetabulum, labrum, cartilage, tendons, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most comprehensive imaging method for evaluating hip pathology.