Contraindication
There are certain contraindications, which is why an MRI examination may not be possible. Since no metal parts may be in the room or especially in the patient during the examination, any form of non-removable metallic objects in the body is a contraindication for performing an MRI examination. This includes any kind of nails and plates that often remain in the body after fracture surgery.
The same applies of course to artificial prostheses such as hip joint prostheses. Pacemakers and insulin pumps can also be a contraindication. Other contraindications are cochlear implants, grenade shrapnel in the body, neurostimulators, metal vascular clips and in the first three months of an existing pregnancy.
Most knee and hip prostheses, as well as metal implants after a bone fracture, usually exclude knee MRI. The effect of radio waves and magnetic field on the embryo is not yet fully understood and is part of current research. However, all results to date do not indicate any danger to the embryo.
Nevertheless, an MRI examination should be avoided in the first third of the pregnancy if possible. The necessity of an MRI examination of the knee during the first trimester of pregnancy should be discussed with the treating doctor. An MRI examination is possible during the rest of the pregnancy. However, contrast medium should be administered in as small amounts as possible if necessary. Here you can find more information about: MRI during pregnancy – is it dangerous?
Costs of a MRI ́s from the knee
The cost of an MRI examination of the knee is very high compared to other imaging methods. An MRI examination, for example, costs about 600-800€ for privately insured persons, depending on the effort involved. In most cases the examination will be fully paid for by the private health insurance company.
The costs for an MRI of the knee in the statutory range are significantly lower and are settled with the statutory health insurance (GKV) by direct settlement with the radiologist. As soon as there is a medical indication for performing the examination, the person concerned does not have to pay for the examination as long as he or she is insured. This applies to examinations in hospitals as well as to examinations in radiological practices.
All in all, MRI examinations in Germany are relatively frequent in international comparison. Only Turkey and the USA carry out more MRI examinations than in Germany. Again and again, people question whether the number of examinations performed is necessary. For this reason, there is an increasing demand for stricter indication guidelines, which determine when an MRI examination is to be performed. More detailed information on the costs of an MRI ́s of the knee can be found at MRI costs
