What to expect from a private knee MRI and report?

[nothingbeatsajet2]

I’ve got a private knee MRI booked on Monday. I have no idea what to expect from the actual scan, or the report after. Has anyone been through this?

The MRI scanner is very loud. The consultant should talk you through the results and show you what's what and discuss options with you.

I've had one after a sport injury, it showed I had torn the cartilage. I was quite sporty at the time so they did surgery where they pinned it back together.

If you do have surgery, it can be one of the most pain in the arse recoveries ever, as you have to do physio religiously.

I've had lung surgery and the recovery for that was a walk in the park compared to knee surgery!

Same as from an NHS one!

It will show all soft and hard tissue, so ligaments etc. It is the best way to pick things up.

Agree with PP - back surgery was also a walk in the park compared to knee (ACL) surgery. You're looking at 3months recovery min for something like that as you have to keep weight off it for about 6 weeks.

And yes the scanner is loud. Make sure you declare all tattoos, piercings etc, and you have to take anything metal off (eg an underwired bra).
They will pass the scan to your consultant: not tell you then.

I’m just incredibly nervous. I don’t know what I’m more nervous about - the chance of nothing being found and my pain being unexplained, or the chance of something being found and needing surgery etc

The difference you get going privately, as opposed to NHS, is time. The surgeon, procedure etc are probably all the same, but you will have time for a proper appointment with the surgeon (not on the same day as the MRI ), so that they can discuss all the options with you.
Take a notebook in which you have noted any questions, and also to write down key things you are told. There is nothing to be scared of, it's very routine, and if you are in serious pain, you will be so grateful to have it resolved.

I had one years ago - was my first MRI but I had headphones - it didn’t go all the way to my head so not claustrophobic. They found a tear in the meniscus and i subsequently had an operation.

I have to say I’m really nervous tonight. I think I’m more worried that they find nothing and I’m going to look silly!

I had a private MRI scan, for my knee, at my local hospital! They rent out slots to private companies. It cost £340. Anyway, I was given the results over the telephone the next day, severe arthritis with 2 meniscus tears.

I had one when I snapped my ACL. I only went in the scanner up to my chest. I was allowed to keep my underwired bra on but had to remove earrings etc. I was able to collect a CD of images the next day, then I received a written report which I took to my appointments with the surgeon and physio. No surgery needed, I am happily ACL deficient so probably wasted my money getting the scan

Wow, that’s fast! The company says up to three days for a report, but I’m getting it first thing Monday morning