MRI Scan Guide
Overview
A wrist MRI produces detailed images of the bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage of the wrist and hand. It is the most accurate imaging method for diagnosing wrist injuries that are not visible on standard X-rays.
Wrist MRI is commonly used to evaluate persistent pain after trauma, suspected scaphoid fractures, ligament tears (especially the triangular fibrocartilage complex), and carpal tunnel syndrome. It can also assess inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
The scan is painless, uses no radiation, and requires no special preparation.
The procedure
Your hand and wrist are positioned inside a dedicated wrist coil. You may lie on your back with your arm at your side, or in a prone position with your arm extended above your head, depending on the scanner and protocol. Images are acquired over approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Diagnostic value
Preparation
No fasting is required.
Remove all rings, bracelets, watches, and metal objects from the hand and wrist.
Remove any wrist splints or braces.
Inform the radiographer about any implants or metal hardware in the hand or wrist.
Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal bone fracture and are frequently missed on initial X-rays. If there is clinical suspicion of a scaphoid fracture (tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox after a fall) but the X-ray is negative, MRI is the recommended next step. It can detect fractures within hours of injury, before they become visible on X-ray.
Understanding your results
Every Mira scan comes with two reports. A medical report from a radiologist for your doctor, and a miraclarity report for you. The miraclarity report explains your wrist / hand MRI findings in straightforward language with visual guides, severity indicators, and recommended next steps.
No jargon. No waiting for another appointment just to understand what your scan found. miraclarity is included free with every scan.
Book your scan
Yes. MRI can detect scaphoid fractures that are not visible on X-ray, often within 24 hours of injury.
MRI can show the median nerve and surrounding structures, but carpal tunnel syndrome is primarily diagnosed clinically and with nerve conduction studies. MRI is used when there is uncertainty or to evaluate for structural causes.
A typical wrist MRI takes 30 to 45 minutes.
A knee MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the knee joint. Unlike X-rays, which show only bones, MRI reveals soft tissues including ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the meniscus. This makes it the primary diagnostic tool for knee injuries and conditions.
A brain MRI produces highly detailed images of the brain, brainstem, and surrounding structures. It is the preferred imaging method for evaluating neurological symptoms because it provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT and does not use ionizing radiation.
A lumbar spine MRI produces detailed images of the lower back, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most accurate non-invasive method for diagnosing causes of lower back pain.
A shoulder MRI provides highly detailed images of the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the shoulder joint. It is the most reliable non-invasive method for diagnosing shoulder injuries.
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