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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can A Minor Sprain Of Knee Be Detected Without MRI While Using Knee Braces?

I injured my knee in a skiing accident. My urgent care doctor took x-rays and nothing is broken, although my knee is unstable. He put me on a round of crutches and a knee brace and told me to get an MRI if I wasn t feeling better in a week. I went to an orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion after 2 weeks had passed and he thinks I may have done something to my ACL. He ordered physical therapy for me to try with a follow up appointment and a possible MRI in 2 weeks. My question is: without having an MRI, is it possible to tell if something is a minor sprain or a major tear? I am itching to get back to hiking and walking and want to get well as soon as possible. Any advice on how I can heal up quickly and avoid surgery?
posted on Sat, 15 Feb 2014
Twitter Mon, 17 Feb 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 17 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

Its possible to diagnose either ACL tear or Meniscal tear by doing special tests on your knee joint through clinical examination (Anterior drawer test for ACL tear and McMurrays test for meniscal tear). But their accuracy is not 100% and also they will not provide specific information on the extent, size, location etc of the tears.

So, MRI scan is mandatory to pin point the diagnosis in ACL & Meniscal tears.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Can A Minor Sprain Of Knee Be Detected Without MRI While Using Knee Braces?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Its possible to diagnose either ACL tear or Meniscal tear by doing special tests on your knee joint through clinical examination (Anterior drawer test for ACL tear and McMurrays test for meniscal tear). But their accuracy is not 100% and also they will not provide specific information on the extent, size, location etc of the tears. So, MRI scan is mandatory to pin point the diagnosis in ACL & Meniscal tears. Hope this information is helpful. Good day