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A member asked:

I have osteoarthritis in my left knee as well as joint effusion. i had an x-ray done back in september which is how i found out. i am waiting to get approved for an mri, but i was just wondering what exactly can be seen that an x-ray couldnt show?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

When I think of causes of a knee effusion in a young patient osteoarthritis is not first on my differential diagnosis list. I believe the MRI is ordered to look for cartilage damage or even ligament pathology. These will not show up on plain xrays.

Dr Kuitems agreed

Answered 4/20/2023

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