| MRI, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, is | | | | Therefore, in such a case, an MRI is not necessary.o |
| an invaluable tool to an orthopedic surgeon. It helps in | | | | In some cases, MRI is not at helpful in making the |
| diagnosing many orthopedic problems. However, it | | | | diagnosis. Conditions like arthritis of the knee or hip |
| has been seen that an MRI is not always necessary | | | | cannot be diagnosed using an MRI. Although the |
| and many times it may not be helpful to make a | | | | abnormalities of the knee and hip arthritis will be |
| diagnosis. This would explain why orthopedic doctors | | | | visible in an MRI, an X-ray is a better option for an |
| and surgeon do not always order an MRI. | | | | orthopedic surgeon. This means an MRI is useful in |
| There are many reasons why a doctor does not | | | | some situation and not as useful in others. Usually a |
| order an MRI and some of them are listed below.o | | | | good orthopedic surgeon will know which tests to |
| Although an MRI test is extremely useful, there are | | | | prescribe in a given situation.o Remember that |
| some conditions that do not come up in an MRI scan. | | | | magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic tool and |
| For instance, an anterior cruciate ligament tear is | | | | not a treatment. It will do nothing to make the pain |
| revealed 90 percent of the times in an MRI. This | | | | go away. It can help an orthopedic surgeon to |
| means that the balance 10 percent does not show in | | | | diagnose a problem but as mentioned before, it may |
| an MRI. An experienced orthopedic surgeon can | | | | not always be the perfect diagnostic tool for a |
| discover an anterior cruciate ligament tear through | | | | particular condition. |
| physical examination 90 percent of the times. | | | | |