Does MRI of knee need contrast?

An MRI takes images in better contrast than other tests. Your doctor may want you to undergo a special kind of MRI called an MRI arthrogram. For this procedure, your doctor will inject a contrast fluid, or dye, into your knee to provide a better view of its structure.

Can an MRI be wrong about an ACL tear?

The reported sensitivity of MRI for acute ACL tears is 90% [5]. MRI is now widely used for the detection of intra-articular lesions, but in the experience of the authors, false positive reports can lead to over-enthusiastic surgery.

When is contrast used in MRI?

MRI contrast is required when a very detailed image is necessary to evaluate the problem area of the body. Gadolinium contrast is used in about one in three MRI scans, to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the scan.

What imaging is best for ACL tear?

MRI is highly accurate at diagnosing ACL tears with accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of more than 90%[26-28]. Diagnosis of ACL tear on MR images is usually based on direct signs[26,28,29].

Can you walk with a partially torn ACL?

Can you walk with a torn ACL? The short answer is yes. After the pain and swelling subsides and if there is no other injury to your knee, you may be able to walk in straight lines, go up and down stairs and even potentially jog in a straight line.

What is the difference between an MRI with contrast and without contrast?

The primary difference is that for contrast MRIs, a dye (gadolinium-based) is given to the patient intravenously prior to the scan. Non-contrast MRI is great option for patients for whom dye is not recommended, pregnant women and kidney-compromised patients.

Is a MRI necessary for an ACL injury?

If the ACL tests clearly suggest an ACL injury, then an MRI isn’t always needed . Obtaining an MRI to look at the other structures in the knee may or may not be necessary. The surgeon does look at the other structures in the knee arthroscopically when performing the ACL reconstruction.

What is an ACL injury and does it need surgery?

If the ACL is completely torn, it will not heal normally. Some individuals elect to leave the knee without a functioning ACL, and some choose ACL surgery to replace the torn ligament. Left untreated, a knee with a torn ACL may have ongoing symptoms of knee instability . This is usually a sensation of buckling or the knee giving-out.

When to do ACL reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction is generally recommended if: You’re an athlete and want to continue in your sport, especially if the sport involves jumping, cutting or pivoting. More than one ligament or the meniscus in your knee is injured. The injury is causing your knee to buckle during everyday activities.

Do you need a MRI to diagnose an ACL tear?

There are some injuries, like ACL tears, that don’t always need an MRI . Often the history and physical exam can prove that a patient tore his or her ACL without the MRI. In other situations, we might need the MRI for an ACL tear.