Meniscus tears
Tears in the cartilage cushions between the thigh and shin bones, a common cause of locking, catching and pain after a twist.
Consultant radiologist reportReport and images in 3–5 working days
Private MRI · No GP referral needed
Private Knee MRI Scan
4.2/5Find out what’s really behind your knee pain, swelling or instability. A private knee MRI at one of 60 UK imaging centres, reported by a consultant radiologist, with your report and images emailed within 3 to 5 working days. £395 for one knee, £595 for both. No GP referral needed, and appointments are typically within 7 days.
- Appointments within 7 days
- 60 UK imaging centres
- Consultant radiologist report
Price
from £395
One knee · both knees £595
Choose your knee, then your nearest centre and date
- No GP referral needed
- Report in 3–5 working days
- Appointments within 7 days
Prefer to talk it through? Call 01225 444 144 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
- Consultant radiologistreports every scan
- No GP referralwe arrange it for you
- 20–45 minutesin the scanner
- Clinician callif anything needs attention
What a knee MRI can show
MRI shows the soft tissues inside the knee that X-rays can’t, which is why it’s the scan most used to investigate knee injuries and ongoing pain.
Ligament injuries
Sprains and tears of the ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL, including the ACL tears behind a knee that gives way.
Cartilage damage and arthritis
Wear or damage to the smooth cartilage lining the joint, and early signs of osteoarthritis.
Bone bruising and stress fractures
Injury inside the bone that doesn’t show on an X-ray, often after a fall, impact or overuse.
Tendon problems
Inflammation or tears of the patellar and quadriceps tendons at the front of the knee.
Fluid, cysts and inflammation
Joint effusion, Baker’s cysts behind the knee, bursitis and other soft-tissue swelling.
When is a knee MRI worth it?
- Your knee gives way or feels unstable after a twist or sports injury
- It locks, catches or clicks painfully
- Swelling keeps coming back
- Pain hasn’t improved after several weeks of rest or physiotherapy
- You need a clear answer before returning to sport, training or work
- You’re facing a long wait for a non-urgent NHS scan
If you can’t put any weight on your leg, your knee is badly deformed, or it’s hot, red and very swollen with a fever, go to A&E or call 111 rather than booking a scan.
What’s included for £395
- MRI scan of your knee at one of 60 UK imaging centres
- Clinical referral arranged by Goodbody, so you don’t need your GP
- Written report from a consultant radiologist
- Your report and images emailed within 3–5 working days
- A call from a Goodbody clinician if anything needs attention
- Add a second body part in the same appointment: £595 in total
How booking your knee MRI works
- 1
Book online in 2 minutes
Choose your knee, pick an imaging centre near you and your preferred date. Appointments are typically within 7 days, and no GP letter is needed.
- 2
Have your scan
Lie still on the scanner table for 20–45 minutes while images are taken. It’s noisy but painless, with no injection and no radiation.
- 3
Get your report
A consultant radiologist reports your scan. Your report and images are emailed within 3–5 working days, and a clinician calls if anything needs attention.
Knee MRI Scan questions answered
How much does a private knee MRI cost?
A private knee MRI at Goodbody costs £395 for one knee, or £595 for both knees scanned in the same appointment. The price includes the clinical referral, the scan, a consultant radiologist’s report and your images, with a clinician call if anything needs attention. You can pay in 3 interest-free instalments with Clearpay.
Do I need a GP referral for a private knee MRI?
No. Book directly with Goodbody and we arrange the clinical referral the imaging centre needs, so there is nothing to ask your GP for. During booking you tell us briefly why you need the scan, so the radiologist knows what to look for.
How long does a knee MRI take?
A knee is one of the quicker MRI scans: most take 20 to 45 minutes in the scanner, with a knee at the shorter end of that range. Scanning both knees takes under 60 minutes. Allow extra time to arrive and complete the safety checklist. You lie still while the scanner takes images; it is noisy but painless.
Does your whole body go in for a knee MRI?
No. For a knee scan you lie on your back and go in feet first, so usually only your lower body is inside the scanner and your head stays outside. That makes a knee MRI one of the easiest scans if you are worried about enclosed spaces.
What should I wear for a knee MRI?
Loose, comfortable clothing with no metal: tracksuit bottoms or shorts without zips, poppers or metallic thread are ideal. Leave jewellery, watches and piercings at home if you can. The centre may give you a gown to change into.
What does a knee MRI show?
An MRI shows the bones, cartilage, menisci, ligaments, tendons and fluid inside the knee in detail. It is the standard scan for investigating meniscus and ligament tears, cartilage damage, bone bruising, tendon problems and cysts, which an X-ray cannot show.
When should I get an MRI after a knee injury?
Many minor sprains settle within a few weeks with rest, ice and gentle movement. An MRI is worth considering if your knee still gives way, locks, keeps swelling or stays painful after that, or sooner if you felt a pop and the knee swelled quickly, as that can point to a ligament tear.
Can you have an MRI with a knee replacement?
Most modern joint replacements are safe in an MRI scanner, but tell us when you book so the centre can check. Metal can blur the images right around the implant, so a radiologist may advise whether MRI is the best scan for your question.
How long do knee MRI results take?
A consultant radiologist reports your scan, and the written report and your images are emailed to you within 3 to 5 working days. If the report shows anything that needs attention, a Goodbody clinician calls you to explain it and how to take it to your GP, a physiotherapist or a specialist.
Will the NHS accept my private knee MRI?
Usually, yes. A private MRI reported by a consultant radiologist is a valid clinical document, and GPs and NHS specialists will normally act on it rather than repeat it, as long as they can see the report and images. Occasionally a specialist will want a repeat scan to a specific protocol; that is their decision.
Where can I get a private knee MRI near me?
At one of 60 imaging centres across the UK. Enter your postcode when you book and the centres are sorted closest first, then choose your preferred date; appointments are typically within 7 days. See all our locations.
Other MRI scans
Book online in under 2 minutes
Book your MRI scan in 3 simple steps
No GP referral needed. Appointments typically within 7 days.
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Step 1 Choose body part Tap the body diagram or search by name
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Step 2 Select your clinic 60+ locations UK-wide near you
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Step 3 Add patient details Pick your preferred date & confirm
Secure booking · No payment until confirmed
- 7 daysTypical appointment
- 3 daysDetailed results
- 60+UK clinics
- No GPreferral required
Patient Story
Hear Michael's Story...
A short story from a patient who recently had their scan with us — what made them book, and how the day actually went.
Not sure if it's right for you? Our team is happy to talk it through, no pressure.