Imaging and Diagnostics
The majority of knee conditions require the support of diagnostic services which include x-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound. The information gained from these investigations allow the surgeon to diagnose your condition and offer you the best course of treatment.
Techniques include:
X-ray
This is available at all locations and is used to examine the bones of the knee in particular looking for signs of arthritis, loose bodies or bone fragments in the knee, fractures and other more unusual conditions of the bone.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scan)
This is one of the current best techniques for examining knees for soft tissue injuries such as ligament injuries and damage to the joint surface cartilage covering.
Ultrasound scans
Ultrasound scans are a useful and simple investigation for some knee problems including problems with the tendons, diagnosis of cysts and other more superficial knee conditions.
Computerised Tomography (CT scans)
CT scans for knee problems have in some way been surpassed by MRI scans but still have a very useful role where the diagnosis is specifically related to the bone around the knee.