MRI Magnetic Resident Imaging is a radiological evaluation that focuses on evaluating the integrity of soft tissues such as meniscus, articular cartilage, ligaments, tendons, arteries,veins, and muscles. X-rays or roentgenograms focus only on osseous or bony structures which contain calcium therefore the soft tissues are not seen on roentgenograms.

MRI do not create a three-dimensional model to examine, but only generates pictures of the knee or a series of equally spaced sliced photographs. This makes a MRI only a B test since it is not evaluate the structures of the knee between these photographed slices. Very similar to looking at a loaf of slice bread, you can see the cut surfaces but do not know what is inside the sliced piece of bread. This therefore decreases the accuracy of any MRI since it does not inspect all of the knee.

A significant population due to claustrophobia, metallic clips, and pacemakers are unable to undergo MRI examinations.

The accuracy of a good history, thorough physical examination of the knee, and standing x-rays is more accurate than an MRI.