Knee x-rays are just like any other x-ray. Our family has had a few and we just get them done at our normal family doctor. We live in a ski town though so maybe not all doctors have x-ray machines in their practices?

If you are referring to an MRI, that's a different question.

Well I have had knee problems for a few years. Nothing serious. Simply had to be careful what I did. But in the last 2 weeks I have really strong pain on left knee ( inside part-medial ). Does not seem to respond to pain cremes or cold packs. So I am toying with the idea of getting an xray as a first step. I understood they have to do a CT scan to get a clear picture?

A decent doctor should be your first step. Ideally one that sees a lot of sport injuries as they will have the most experience with knees. They can do several different tests to help diagnose what the problem is and they might do an x-ray that can rule out a fracture and a very rough scan of any other issues. If they are concerned, they will refer you to have an MRI done and to speak with an orthopedic specialist.

First stop is your GP.

Just go to your GP and discuss you knee issue with them and take it from there.
It’s not rocket science.

An MRI scan probably makes more sense than an X-ray. First step is to go to a doctor and explain your problem, like everyone else posted too.

Each case is different - so a full examination is required to decide if an x-ray or MRI is required. Even in Switzerland, the patient does not choose what is relevant, but the doctor/specialist.

I think what would help more is if you just went to your doctor and asked. It's not rocket science.

Yes, I have had knee xrays and surgery on several occasions, and my wife even more, but I really think that a doctor will know more about it than I do.

Anybody tried Ultraschall therapy for knee pain?

Ultrasound?

Yes. Ultrasound

FWIW,

My GP did X-rays on my knees and found no damage. An MRI, however, showed pretty hefty damage.

So - if an x-ray says you are good to go but you still are experiencing difficulties or pain, ask for an MRI or whatever the next step would be. Don't leave it too long to push for further investigation, as the month between the x-ray and the MRI was pretty painful.

FYI, apparently I'm too old for knee surgery (whisky tango foxtrot?) so I'm stuck with the cyborg brace. Another reason not to leave it too long.

That really surprises me, it’s usually the opposite way round and people are told they are too young for a knee replacement.

Exactly- I'd go and see another spécialist surgeon asap.

Go to your family doctor who may write a request, a technician will take a number of views, a radiologist will interpret the images and send a report to your doctor from whom you will get the result. I have taken thousands, the majority of reports were “normal” or “ normal wear and tear for the patients stated age”.

It would more likely be an MRI scan. An X-ray is a 2 dimensional image showing shades from white to black depending on the absorption of the radiation as it passes through the knee to the imaging plate. MRI is a multidimensional image which uses magnets to flip flop hydrogen and carbon 13 protons, and is able to show much greater detail including the soft tissue, muscles, tendons, cartilage etc. Not done any of these, had a couple though.

Do they use a contrast material-which they inject via IV- for the MRI?

Not generally, no. In the good old bad days we used to inject contrast media and air direct into the knee joint and then take a number of views, some under tension. Glad they had MRI by the time I tore my first cartilage.

Not when I had mine done.

you don't do contrasts for MRI - you do for CT/Xrays to see specific thing - depends what you looking for . MRI is not invasive. It takes 30min under MRI machine for full knee MRI to happen. with that you be good to go to specialist - I took sport medicine specialist - turned out that there is nothing but overloaded knee that needs 6-months off training to recover and light bike rides everyday for me.

Good luck

I got contrast material for an MRI only a couple of weeks ago.

So did I, different part of the body though, not the knee.