While x-rays are used primarily to diagnose bone injuries, “magnetic resonance imaging” (MRI) can provide such clear pictures of soft tissue structures near and around bones that it is usually the best choice for examining joints and soft tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging utilizes radio waves, a computer, and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide clear and detailed images of internal organs and tissues, which can be used to locate and identify the cause of pain, swelling, or bleeding in the tissues in and around the joints and bones. They even make it possible to see very small tears and injuries in tendons, ligaments, and muscles, as well as some fractures that cannot be seen on x-rays.