Musculoskeletal MRI provides detailed images of joints and soft tissues and is often used when X-ray or ultrasound cannot fully answer the clinical question.
What can musculoskeletal MRI assess?
Musculoskeletal MRI can evaluate cartilage, menisci and labra, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bursae, joint fluid, bone marrow, stress injury, fractures, infection, tumours and post-operative change.
The examination must be designed for the body region and suspected injury. A shoulder, knee, hip, ankle and wrist require different coils, positioning, imaging planes and sequences.
When MRI may be useful
- Persistent pain or loss of function after injury.
- Suspected ligament, tendon, meniscal, labral or cartilage injury.
- Bone stress injury or an occult fracture not visible on X-ray.
- Unexplained joint swelling or marrow abnormality.
- Pre-operative planning or post-operative assessment.
- Treatment planning for an image-guided injection or regenerative procedure.
MRI, ultrasound and X-ray are complementary
X-ray is often the starting point for fracture, arthritis and alignment. Ultrasound can provide dynamic assessment of superficial tendons, bursae and joints and can guide injections. MRI provides a wider field of view and detailed assessment of deep soft tissue, cartilage and bone marrow.
Pathology is variable. Some conditions require more than one modality for a confident diagnosis.
Before and during the scan
Tell the clinic about previous surgery, implants and the exact location of symptoms. Bring prior imaging and operative information. Most regional musculoskeletal MRI does not require fasting or contrast, although specialised protocols may differ.
You will be positioned with the body part inside a dedicated coil. Keeping still is important, and the joint may need to remain in a particular position. Tell the radiographer if pain makes this difficult.
Understanding the report
The report describes the structures examined and any injury or degeneration. Imaging abnormalities do not always explain pain, and pain severity does not always match the size of a finding. The result should be correlated with examination and function.
If the MRI does not answer the question, targeted ultrasound, CT, X-ray, repeat imaging, a diagnostic injection or specialist review may be recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page
Does MRI show arthritis?
Yes. MRI can show cartilage loss, bone marrow change, joint fluid and soft-tissue effects, while X-ray remains useful for joint-space loss and alignment.
Can MRI show a tendon tear?
Yes. MRI can assess tear location, extent, tendon quality and surrounding structures. Ultrasound may add dynamic information for some superficial tendons.
Will I need contrast?
Most routine joint and sports-injury MRI does not require contrast. Contrast may be used for tumour, NerveView, infection, inflammatory disease or selected post-operative questions.
| Important:The most useful musculoskeletal examination is the protocol matched to the suspected structure and the exact clinical question. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-1014 [Patient information: Musculoskeletal MRI provides detailed images of joints and soft tissues and is often used when X-ray or ultrasound cannot fully answer the clinical question.]
