Due to high activity, load, as well as other external and internal factors, the knee joints can be affected by a variety of pathological processes. The most common are the so-called degenerative-dystrophic conditions (gonarthrosis, both post-traumatic and idiopathic - that is, arising for an unknown reason) and arthritis (rheumatic, infectious). Also, medicine knows various cartilage lesions - chondropathy - due to both mechanical factors and genetic predisposition.
Unfortunately, oncological processes in this anatomical region are also not uncommon. Some diseases, for example, blood clotting disorders (primarily hemophilia) cause constant extensive bleeding into the joint cavity. This condition is called hemarthrosis. It must be said that the knee joints are one of the most active joints in the human musculoskeletal system; together with the hip joints, they daily carry the weight of the entire body. That is why in people with obesity, gonarthrosis develops in the first place - the cartilage “wears out” very quickly and collapses. On the other hand, activityknee joints causes their frequent injuries. Torn ligaments and menisci are among the most common injuries.
Diagnosis of knee problems
Of course, any treatment must be preceded by a diagnosis. One of the most effective methods for diagnosing injuries and diseases affecting the knee joints is MRI - magnetic resonance imaging. This is a common and safe modern medical technology, it is actively used in many clinics around the world. And its inventors P. Mansfield and P. Lauterbur received the Nobel Prize in 2003. MRI of the knee joint allows visualizing the smallest anatomical details, detecting early signs of pathological changes (especially in cartilage). Each element of the joint can be viewed at an arbitrary magnification and in the required projection. The technology allows you to "remove" the patella (patella) during layer-by-layer shooting, gaining access to any internal structure.
How not to make a mistake?
It is necessary to examine the knee joints carefully and comprehensively. In American medicine, even a special term "vomit" (in Russian - vomiting) appeared. It is composed of the first letters of the phrase, which can be translated as follows: "victim of medical imaging technology." This is the name given to doctors who make diagnostic mistakes, relying too much on tomograms and images and neglecting clinical examination, conversation with the patient, and a comprehensive systematic approach.
Despite the advantages and possibilities of MRI, the doctor must carefully question the patient, perform the so-called physical examination of the joint (that is, check for various symptoms and signs of disease), prescribe a general and biochemical blood and urine tests, and begin visualization of the joint with x-rays. And only after all of the above, magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed.
Perhaps the most important advantage of MRI is that it allows you to get clear images of the so-called soft tissue structures - meaning the menisci and ligaments of the knee joint. It is these images, coupled with the studies listed above, that allow the doctor to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the optimal treatment.
In conclusion, let's say that the only contraindication to MRI is the presence of implants and pacemakers in the body, as well as the first trimester of pregnancy. The patient is not exposed to radioactive irradiation during the study, and it lasts only 30-40 minutes. A technological feature of the MRI machine is a loud, sharp noise. You should not be afraid of this. We also add that there are no complications during and after this procedure.
