Norsk
Norwegian Orthopaedic Association

Avoid referring middle-aged and older patients with knee and hip pain for MRI as the first imaging modality

4. AUGUST 2025

Rationale: Degenerative changes in the knee and hip joints are common MRI findings in asymptomatic middle-aged and older individuals. The primary treatment for non-traumatic knee and hip pain is conservative management, including guided physiotherapy and exercise. For patients who do not improve with conservative treatment and are being considered for surgery, weight-bearing radiographs should be the first-line imaging modality. When radiographic osteoarthritis is established, MRI findings do not alter treatment decisions.

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