What Does MRI In Relation To Knee Surgery Mean? Does Cortisone Injections Are Given Instead Of Surgery?

Posted on Sun, 17 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 17 Nov 2013 Answered on

Thu, 5 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Right knee only I have advanced degenerative change in right knee,complete loss of joint space,sclerosis and large osteophytes (no other symptoms) My Doctor writes to orthopedic surgeon,"I don't think he is a candidate for MRI" Questions (1) What does he mean by MRI in relation to knee surgery? (2) Does he mean cortisone injections instead of Surgery ? (I hope so) XXXXXXX Larking ,73 Baker Street Richmond Melbourne, XXXXXXX AUSTRALIA Thank You

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: In late cases joint replacement is only option. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. MRI reveals soft tissue and ligamentous structure more clearly. In early stages of osteoarthritis exercises, medicines ,joint supplements & intra articular( Cortisone or Hyaluronic acid ) injections are helpful & may revert the changes but in late cases joint replacement is only option. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar