Imaging for knee pain without trauma. Is there an effusion? Degenerative changes?
Summary
Child, adolescent or adult knee pain without trauma = knee X-ray
Child, adolescent or adult knee pain without trauma and knee X-ray is negative or shows effusion or secondary signs of trauma = MRI knee without contrast
Adult knee pain without trauma and knee X-ray shows avascular necrosis = possibly MRI without contrast if it directs therapy
Adult knee pain without trauma and knee X-ray shows degenerative changes, crystalline arthropathy or chondrocalcinosis = Probably NOTHING
Educational purposes for licensed providers.
Note to Patients:
Radiology is a very large and ever changing field and this post is to help your provider. When combined with a thorough history and physical exam, this information can be very useful. Your provider is best suited to answer specific questions regarding this post.
A provider is usually a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Medical Doctor.
Of course, this is not a substitute for medical care.
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