Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of internal body structures. This non-invasive method is particularly useful for visualizing soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscles, as well as bones. For the wrist, an MRI can help identify the causes of pain, swelling, or limited movement, diagnosing conditions like fractures, sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, or inflammation.
How Wrist MRIs Are Performed
For a wrist MRI, the entire body generally does not need to enter the machine. Different MRI machine types accommodate patients in various ways, with your position depending on the specific machine and facility’s setup.
Some facilities use smaller, dedicated extremity MRI machines designed for limbs like the hand, wrist, elbow, or foot. Only the arm and wrist are placed inside the scanning area, with the rest of the body remaining outside. This design provides a more comfortable experience.
Open MRI machines offer a less enclosed design with magnets positioned above and below, leaving the sides open. This reduces the feeling of confinement, benefiting those with anxiety in enclosed spaces. For a wrist scan, only the arm and wrist are positioned within the imaging field.
Even with traditional tube-shaped, closed-bore MRI machines, patients are positioned to minimize their body inside the scanner. They might lie head-first, face down with the affected arm extended above their head (“superman” position), or feet-first, ensuring only the necessary arm part is within the bore. This strategic positioning focuses the magnetic field on the wrist, keeping much of the body outside the restrictive part of the machine.
What to Expect During Your Scan
A wrist MRI typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on whether a contrast agent is used and the specific images required. During the scan, it is essential to remain perfectly still to ensure image clarity and quality. Any movement, even slight, can blur the pictures and may require parts of the scan to be repeated.
MRI machines produce loud knocking, banging, or whirring sounds as internal components operate. To protect your hearing and improve comfort, you will be provided with earplugs or headphones. Many facilities also offer music through these headphones to help patients relax.
Throughout the scan, a technologist monitors you from an adjacent control room. You can communicate via an intercom system, and you will be given a call button to press if you need assistance or feel uncomfortable. The technologist provides instructions and checks on your well-being.
Preparing for Your Wrist MRI
Before your wrist MRI, remove all metal objects, including jewelry, watches, hairpins, and any clothing with metal components like zippers or buttons. The powerful magnetic field of the MRI machine can interact with metal, potentially causing injury or interfering with image quality. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure no metal is present.
Inform the technologist about any implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, or surgical clips, as these may pose a safety risk or affect the scan. You will complete a screening questionnaire prior to the exam to identify any such devices.
Sometimes, a contrast agent (most commonly gadolinium) may be injected into a vein in your hand or arm to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or abnormalities on the images. If contrast is needed, you will be informed beforehand. Generally, there are no strict food or drink restrictions before a wrist MRI unless contrast is administered, which might require fasting for a few hours. Always follow any specific instructions provided by the imaging center regarding food and drink.