Knee MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Referral Rules

A knee MRI is the most detailed scan for the soft tissues inside your knee - the structures X-rays can't see. It's the go-to test for:

• Ligament injuries - ACL and PCL tears, and the collateral ligaments on either side • Meniscus tears - the cartilage shock absorbers between the bones • Articular cartilage damage and early arthritis changes • Tendon problems - patellar and quadriceps tendons • Bone bruising and stress fractures that don't show on X-ray • Unexplained swelling, locking, clicking, or giving way

Because MRI uses magnets and radio waves, there's no radiation - and the images show ligaments and cartilage in a way no other routine scan can.

Common triggers include:

• A twisting injury during sport - especially with a "pop", rapid swelling, or the knee giving way • A knee that locks or won't fully straighten • Persistent pain that hasn't settled with rest and physio • Planning for surgery - surgeons usually want an MRI before operating on ligaments or cartilage

Often an X-ray comes first to rule out fracture, and sometimes an ultrasound for tendon problems near the surface. MRI is the deep-dive test when the diagnosis matters for treatment. See our sports injury imaging guide for how the tests fit together.

Not always - knee MRI is one of the areas where GP referrals can work. Medicare includes limited GP-referral MRI items for younger patients after acute knee trauma (your GP will know whether your age and injury fit the item). Outside those items, a specialist referral is usually needed for the scan to attract a Medicare rebate.

Either way, you need some form of referral - and the referral's clinical details determine Medicare eligibility. If your scan doesn't fit a Medicare item, you can still have it privately; the clinic quotes the fee before you book.

Unsure where you stand? Ask your GP: "Will my knee MRI attract a Medicare rebate with this referral, or do I need a specialist?"

It depends on Medicare eligibility and the clinic:

• Medicare-eligible scan at a licensed clinic: commonly $0–$250 out of pocket, and some clinics bulk bill eligible referrals • Not Medicare-eligible (or a non-licensed scanner): roughly $300–$500+, clinic depending

The same knee MRI can differ by hundreds of dollars between clinics a short drive apart, so compare before you book. Search MRI clinics near you on Radly, check bulk-billing notes, and confirm the exact quote when the clinic accepts your request. More detail in how much does an MRI cost?

Easier than most MRIs. You go in feet-first, and for a knee scan your head usually stays outside or near the opening of the scanner - good news if tight spaces worry you.

• You'll lie still for about 20–40 minutes while the machine knocks and hums (you get earplugs or headphones) • A small coil is placed around your knee to sharpen the images • Nothing touches you, and contrast dye is rarely needed for routine knee scans

Preparation is minimal: no metal on your clothing, disclose any implants when booking, and bring your referral and Medicare card.

A radiologist reports the scan to your referring doctor, usually within 1–3 days. Your GP, physio-referring doctor, or specialist then walks you through the findings and options - which might be physio, injections, or a surgical opinion depending on what's found.

Many findings on knee MRI (small meniscal changes, mild cartilage wear) are common with age and don't automatically need surgery - so interpret the report with your doctor, not Google. Ready to book? Compare MRI clinics on Radly and request an appointment online.