What it is
MRI visualizes bone marrow, joints, and soft tissue context without being a density score.[2]
Why it matters
It can detect early osteonecrosis before X-ray changes and is used in several infection or fracture contexts.[1,3]
What it affects
- MRI is often important when pain is present but early structural change may not yet be obvious on X-ray.[1]
Interpretation traps
- MRI findings must be interpreted with symptoms, exam, labs, and clinical history.[2]