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Joint MRI · Sports diagnostics

MRI of the knee, shoulder and joints

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging for musculoskeletal conditions – from acute sports injuries to chronic joint disorders.

Ein Patient wird in das MRT Gerät gefahren

Basics

What is musculoskeletal radiology?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology is the specialist field of imaging the musculoskeletal system. It encompasses the diagnosis of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and other soft tissue structures.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key technique in MSK imaging, as it can visualise soft tissues and bone marrow in great detail – without the use of ionising radiation.

Whether it is an acute sports injury or chronic joint problems, MSK MRI, together with a clinical examination, provides an important basis for targeted treatment planning – whether conservative, interventional or surgical.

Important: Precise MRI diagnostics can help to better interpret findings, avoid unnecessary procedures and support appropriate treatment plans such as physiotherapy or targeted interventional procedures.

MRI following sports injuries:

Rapid and precise diagnosis following trauma – so that the cause of your symptoms can be identified and treated effectively.

  • Cruciate ligament injury following a twisted ankle or a sports injury
  • Meniscus injuries caused by twisting the knee or following contact sports
  • Shoulder tendon injuries (rotator cuff) following a fall or overuse
  • Ankle ligament injuries following a twisted ankle
  • Stress fractures and bone marrow oedema in running or jumping sports
  • Muscle injuries such as strains, muscle fibre tears or haematomas

MRI for pain with no clear cause:

Persistent or unexplained joint symptoms require a precise diagnosis as the basis for further treatment planning.

  • Osteoarthritis and degenerative changes in the knee, hip, shoulder or wrist
  • Calcific tendinitis (tendinosis calcarea) in cases of persistent shoulder pain
  • Heel spurs, Haglund’s deformity and Achilles tendon tendinopathies
  • Impingement syndromes of the shoulder or hip (femoroacetabular impingement, FAI)
  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow with changes to the tendon insertions
  • Bursitis of various joints

Study regions

Which joint is to be examined?

We examine all joints, large and small – from the knee, which is the most common reason for consultation, to the wrist and the temporomandibular joint.

Knee MRI
  • The most common request – a precise visualisation of all knee structures without exposure to radiation.
  • Fast-track MRI appointments for meniscus tears, cruciate ligament injuries, cartilage damage, osteoarthritis and much more.
MRI of the shoulder
  • Rotator cuff, tendons and bursa – ideal for pain following trauma or chronic strain.
  • Fast-track MRI appointments for rotator cuff injuries, calcific tendinitis, impingement, SLAP lesions and much more.
Hip MRI
  • Early detection of labral tears, coxarthrosis and conditions affecting the hip joint.
  • Fast-track MRI appointments for labral tears, coxarthrosis, bursitis, FAI and much more.
MRI of the ankle
  • High-resolution images of ligament tears following a sprain, the Achilles tendon and ankle structures.
  • Fast-track MRI appointments for ligament tears, Achilles tendon injuries, bone stress, tendinopathy and much more.
MRI of the wrist
  • TFCC lesions, bone oedema and wrist pain following a fall or overuse.
  • Fast-track MRI appointments for TFCC lesions, SL ligaments, ganglion cysts, osteoarthritis and much more.
Elbow MRI scan
  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow, tendonitis and medial collateral ligament injuries in athletes who play overhead sports.
  • Fast-track MRI appointments for tennis elbow, UCL lesions, tendinopathy, bursitis and much more.

Quality & Expertise

Why choose MRI at Quartz Healthcare?

Not all MRI scans are the same. The quality of the scan depends on the field strength, the choice of coils and – crucially – on the radiological expertise in musculoskeletal diagnostics.

Our radiologists specialise in musculoskeletal imaging and use joint-specific protocols tailored to the specific clinical issue at hand. This means that meniscus-related issues are imaged using different sequences to those used for bone marrow-related issues.

Benefits at a glance:

  • State-of-the-art equipment: We continuously invest in the latest equipment to ensure the highest resolution and the shortest possible scan times
  • MSK-specialist radiologists: Joint-specific protocols and years of experience in sports medicine imaging.
  • Short waiting times: Prompt appointment allocation, even in cases of urgent clinical suspicion (e.g. cruciate ligament tear). Online appointment booking available.
  • Patient portal: Rapid diagnosis and a structured report with clinical correlation. Rapid transmission to the referring doctor or orthopaedic surgeon, as well as easy access and sharing via our patient portal.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions from Patients

People with statutory health insurance usually need a referral from their GP or orthopaedic specialist for their health insurance to cover the costs. Whether a referral is required depends on the practice in question, the type of examination and your insurance status.

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