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Can An MRI Test Detect Soft Tissue Injuries?

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Posted on Tue, 6 Sep 2016
Question: Hi, Im a 38 Female who is active with work and daily mile+ walk/jog . I tore my ACL 13 years ago and have a scope done and was fine for about 5 years. For past 6 years knee gives out with out warning here or there and usually heals and ok within few days. Last sat I slipped and fell in shower and knee popped out and was swollen immediately, could not bend or put any weight on it for several days. Had xray and showed possible knee effusion. I have MRI scheduled this thursday but my knee is starting to get better. Can MRI still show the injury, everytime I finally see a ortho they act as if im exageratting but its very painful and a complete nuisiance to be off work everytime my knee decides to "Pop out" Thanks for your input.. XXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes, an MRI can show the injury

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
I am sorry that your concerns have been minimized by your doctors.
MRIs are excellent for showing soft tissue injuries such as damage to ligaments, tendons and cartilage.
Even though it is getting better it is really a good idea to get the MRI to see what is damaged. Only by getting an accurate diagnosis can you get the appropriate treatment.
If the damage is not severe then some physical therapy may help. If you need a surgery to repair the damage the MRI will show that.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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Can An MRI Test Detect Soft Tissue Injuries?

Brief Answer: yes, an MRI can show the injury Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. I am sorry that your concerns have been minimized by your doctors. MRIs are excellent for showing soft tissue injuries such as damage to ligaments, tendons and cartilage. Even though it is getting better it is really a good idea to get the MRI to see what is damaged. Only by getting an accurate diagnosis can you get the appropriate treatment. If the damage is not severe then some physical therapy may help. If you need a surgery to repair the damage the MRI will show that. Please let me know if you have further questions. Dr. Robinson