For many bone and joint injuries, orthopedic surgeons use x-rays to make the diagnosis. Some injuries can’t be seen on x-rays. An MRI can be very helpful to show a sports or exercise injury, especially a tendon or ligament injury. When do you need an MRI to find out what the injury is and how severe it might be? In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I explain when an MRI for an MCL tear could be used and how doctors can tell the grade of tear without it.
Jem asks:
I am suffering from an MCL injury 2 weeks ago. My doctor hasn’t asked for an MRI. Is there any symptom that may indicate the grade of my injury?
The medial collateral ligament, or MCL, is a thick ligament on the medial side of the knee – the side closest to the midline of the body. You can suffer a torn MCL from a blow to the outside of your knee. Generally MCL injuries don’t need surgery. Often rest from sports and wearing a brace can help the MCL heal.
The MCL does not show up on x-rays, but an MRI can show an MCL injury. Does that mean you always need an MRI for an MCL tear? How can doctors tell you have suffered a torn MCL, and tell the grade of injury, by examining your knee?
If you have suffered a knee injury that you think is a torn MCL, watch the video to learn how orthopedic surgeons can often figure out if you have an MCL injury and how severe it is without an MRI for an MCL tear.
Also read:
Should you wear a brace for an MCL tear?
How can I fully recover from an MCL injury?
Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.