The MRI visualizes anatomic details of the spinal cord, nerve roots, discs, ligaments and surrounding tissues and spaces. MRI excludes pathological processes like meniscal tears that mimic osteoarthritis. MRI can quantify the extent and severity of cartilage abnormality. Gadolinium MRI used to assess proteoglycan depletion in cartilage which is useful to diagnose the early stages of degeneration.