What Would An X RAY Show That The MRI Didn't

Posted on Fri, 3 Jan 2025

Question: Why would a dr order an x ray after getting MRI results back on a knee looking for damage to a meniscus, MCL, or ACL? The injury occurred 2 years ago but knee instability has persisted since, prompting the MRI. What would an X RAY show that the MRI didn't and why would a dr. Order it after the MRI

Answered by Dr. Heang Chan Raksmey (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hope you have a good health

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mbeach, thank you for your question and I hope I can be of help to you today.

I am sorry to hear about this. Normally to save patients money we order X-rays first for examining broken bones. But if you have MRI already we no need to order an X-ray because MRIs are better for evaluating soft tissues such as tendon and ligament injuries including bone and cartilage. I don’t know why your doctor would order the X-ray after MRI.

I hope that I could be of help to you today. Please let me know if you need any clarification. If you have any more questions, I will discuss them with you further. Wishing you good health.

Best regards,

Dr. Heang Raksmey, General and Family Physician

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana