Xrays and MRI are common tests in orthopaedic surgery. Why do we obtain an xray, and when do we need an MRI to make a diagnosis? In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I explain the role of each for one of the more common problems orthopedic surgeons see – knee osteoarthritis.
Matt asks:
Do you often see an MRI and x-ray contradict each other? For instance, a patient that presents with lateral knee pain has an MRI that shows severe cartilage degeneration of the lateral compartment, but the X-rays still show a gap. How does a physician go about figuring which one is correct?
An xray just shows bone, but they don’t show soft tissue structures like the meniscus, articular cartilage, tendons and ligaments. If performed in certain ways, xrays can demonstrate arthritis changes. In this video, I explain why xrays and MRIs can show what appear to be conflicting results.
Also read:
Ask Dr. Geier – Should I get an x-ray or MRI?
Ask Dr. Geier – Is an MRI necessary to diagnose an ACL injury?
Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
