Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves diagnosis in joints:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
MRI can prevent unnecessary surgical intervention for joint injuries which would respond well to non-invasive treatment. Up to one-third of arthroscopic interventions are unnecessary, says the ZVEI, the German electromedical manufacturers' association. MRI has proved very effective in diagnosing the type and extent of torn ligaments, often the cause of knee injuries. Non-invasive diagnosis is cheaper and less traumatic for the patient and MRI requires no ionising radiation. It is also possible that MRI can be used to diagnose cartilage injuries and distinguish between trabecular micro-fractures and meniscus damage.