Not for emergencies. For acute knee trauma with suspected fracture, vascular injury, or severe instability after injury — go to the ER or urgent care. DOD is not for acute emergency evaluation.
Knee MRI: What Patients Should Know
A knee MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed images of the knee joint — including ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), menisci, articular cartilage, tendons, and bone structures. It provides excellent soft tissue detail without ionizing radiation.
Educational content only. Whether knee MRI is medically appropriate is determined by a licensed provider. DOD does not perform or interpret knee MRI.
Quick Answer
A knee MRI images all major structures of the knee joint — the ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL, medial and lateral menisci, articular cartilage, patellar and quadriceps tendons, and bone marrow — using magnetic fields and radio waves (no radiation). Most studies are ordered without contrast. Provider orders are required at most facilities. DOD can review knee MRI order requests for eligible patients in supported states.
Key Knee Structures on MRI
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)
Primary restraint to anterior tibial translation — commonly injured in sports
PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament)
Primary restraint to posterior tibial translation — less commonly injured than ACL
MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament)
Stabilizes the inner (medial) side of the knee
LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament)
Stabilizes the outer (lateral) side of the knee
Medial Meniscus
C-shaped fibrocartilage pad on the inner side of the knee joint
Lateral Meniscus
Nearly circular fibrocartilage pad on the outer side of the knee joint
Articular Cartilage
Smooth cartilage covering bone surfaces at the joint — femur, tibia, patella
Patellar Tendon / Quadriceps Tendon
Tendons connecting the patella to the tibia and quadriceps muscle respectively
Frequently Asked Questions — Knee MRI
Sources
- Knee MRI — Patient Information — RadiologyInfo.org (ACR / RSNA)
- MRI Scans — MedlinePlus (NIH)
Related Education and Order Pages
Need a Provider Review for a Knee MRI?
$40 virtual provider review. Orders issued only when medically appropriate.
Start Virtual Consult — $40Not for emergencies. Orders not guaranteed.
Educational content only. DOD does not perform or interpret knee MRI.