CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a common indication for performing a knee MRI?

1. Meniscal tears

2. Ligament injuries

3. Bone spurs

4. Fractured patella

The correct answer is: Bone spurs

Knee MRI is commonly utilized for soft tissue evaluation and provides detailed images that help in diagnosing various injuries. Meniscal tears and ligament injuries are well-established indications for knee MRI, as these conditions primarily involve soft tissues, which MRI can visualize effectively. A fractured patella, while it could potentially show up on an MRI, is typically diagnosed using X-rays first, but it is still a clinical indication for MRI if additional soft tissue involvement needs to be assessed. Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are generally associated with chronic conditions and can be observed via X-ray imaging rather than MRI. While MRI can show these structures, it is not the primary tool for diagnosing them. This is why bone spurs are not considered a common indication for performing a knee MRI. The primary focus of knee MRI is to evaluate soft tissue structures, making bone spurs less relevant compared to the other conditions mentioned.