Imaging · London
Private knee MRI in London, read by a musculoskeletal radiologist.
Indicative pricing
What a knee MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£275-£500, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knee MRI (single knee, without contrast) | £275–£500 | 20–30 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Both knees | £450–£800 | 40–55 min | 24–72 hrs |
| MR arthrogram (with contrast injection) | £450–£850 | 45–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Sports injury protocol | £300–£550 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Post-operative knee review | £300–£600 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Weight-bearing / dynamic knee MRI | Quoted case by case | Varies | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether a contrast arthrogram is used.
The problem
An X-ray shows bone. Your knee problem is usually soft tissue.
Ligaments, menisci and cartilage do not show on X-ray - and they are what usually go wrong in a knee. The right protocol, a 3T scanner and a musculoskeletal radiologist reading it are what turn a scan into an answer.
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Not sure if you need one?
Sometimes physiotherapy or a specialist review is the better first step.
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Not sure who reads it?
It is worth checking that a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
A knee has a lot of moving parts. These are the injuries and problems most often investigated.
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ACL & ligament tears
The clearest test for a torn cruciate or collateral ligament after a twist or impact.
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Meniscal (cartilage) tears
Detects tears of the shock-absorbing menisci - a common cause of locking and catching.
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Cartilage damage & wear
Shows the smooth joint-surface cartilage and early changes not visible on X-ray.
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Arthritis & joint changes
Maps the extent of wear, bone-marrow change and inflammation within the joint.
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Tendon & muscle injury
Assesses the patellar and quadriceps tendons and surrounding soft tissues.
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Kneecap (patella) problems
Looks at tracking, dislocation and the cartilage behind the kneecap.
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Sports & impact injuries
A focused protocol for acute injury, from football and skiing to running overload.
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Post-surgery review
Assesses a repair or reconstruction and looks for a new or recurrent problem.
Knee MRI types
Not all knee scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard knee MRI
The everyday knee scan - ligaments, menisci, cartilage and bone. No injection needed.
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MR arthrogram
Contrast injected into the joint to show subtle cartilage and meniscal tears in fine detail.
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Sports injury protocol
Sequences tuned for acute ligament and cartilage injury, often booked same-week.
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Cartilage mapping
Specialist sequences that grade cartilage quality before or after surgery.
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Both-knee comparison
Images both knees in one visit when symptoms are bilateral or for a baseline.
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Post-operative knee
Tailored to assess an ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair or cartilage procedure.
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Weight-bearing MRI
Imaging while standing, to show problems that appear only under load.
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3T high-resolution knee
A stronger magnet for sharper detail of small ligaments and cartilage surfaces.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
Only a few situations need a check - knee metalwork is common and rarely an issue.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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Knee replacements, screws and plates
Almost always MRI-safe. They may cause local artefact but rarely a safety concern.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. Your hospital can supply this information.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Claustrophobia
A knee scan is easier - usually only your leg enters the scanner, and your head stays outside the bore.
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Dental work, tattoos, coils
Almost always fine. Iron-based tattoo ink may warm slightly - tell the radiographer.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if a contrast arthrogram is planned.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
Reading your report
A knee report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Every knee report is laid out the same way, in four parts.
A quiet reminder
It is written in clinical shorthand for your specialist, not for you.
Ask the clinician who requested the test to talk you through it before your follow-up.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the knee that was scanned, and the question your referrer set.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (proton density, T2, fat-suppressed). Each highlights soft tissue and bone differently.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structure-by-structure description of ligaments, menisci, cartilage and bone, including any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The short answer, up top - read this first. Your specialist talks it through with you.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Common questions about knee MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, arthrograms, claustrophobia and results.
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What can a knee MRI show?
Ligament tears (including the ACL), meniscal cartilage tears, cartilage wear and arthritis, tendon injury, kneecap problems and the result of previous knee surgery - soft-tissue detail that X-ray cannot show.
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How much does a private knee MRI cost in London?
An MR arthrogram or both knees cost more.
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Do I need a referral for a knee MRI?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard knee MRI.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Not for a standard knee MRI. Contrast is used in an MR arthrogram, where it is injected into the joint to show subtle tears. You should be told in advance if it is recommended.
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How long does a knee MRI take?
A standard knee MRI takes about 20-30 minutes. An arthrogram takes longer because of the injection. You lie on your back with your leg supported.
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Can I have a knee MRI if I am claustrophobic?
A knee scan is one of the easiest for claustrophobia - usually only your leg enters the scanner and your head stays outside the opening. Wide-bore options are available too.
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Can I still drive afterwards?
After a standard knee MRI, yes - there is no sedation and no recovery time.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports it, usually within 24-72 hours. With your consent, the report and images can be shared with your GP or specialist.
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Will my insurance cover a knee MRI?
Most policies cover knee MRI when it is clinically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is a knee MRI safe?
With no ionising radiation, it is one of the safest tests there is. Certain metal implants are checked for beforehand.