MRI · Musculoskeletal
MRI — Knee
Indication
Internal derangement: meniscal and ligamentous (ACL/PCL/collateral) injury, cartilage assessment, bone marrow oedema, occult fracture.
Contrast
Not routine. MR arthrography (intra-articular gadolinium) for postoperative meniscus or suspected cartilage/osteochondral lesions.
Sequences & planes
| Seq. | Plane | |
|---|---|---|
| PD FS | Axial | ~3 mm |
| PD FS | Coronal | ~2–3 mm |
| T1 / PD | Sagittal | ~2–3 mm |
| T2 FS / STIR | Sagittal | fluid-sensitive |
| PD FS (oblique) | Sagittal/Coronal oblique | optional, along ACL |
Planning notes
- Dedicated knee coil, feet-first supine; centre at lower pole of patella.
- Sagittal angled along the ACL; axial parallel to the femoral condyles.
- Fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive sequences in ≥2 planes for marrow and cartilage.
References
- MRI Master — Knee protocol planning
- Radiopaedia — Knee (MRI) protocol
- ESSR — MSK MRI protocols & guidelines
Educational reference only — verify against current guidelines and adapt to your institution and equipment. Not medical advice.