An MRI of the hand is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the hand’s internal structures. This imaging technique is particularly effective for examining soft tissues, which include tendons, ligaments, muscles, and cartilage, as well as the bones and joints within the hand. Physicians often order a hand MRI to help diagnose injuries, such as occult fractures or ligament tears, and to assess conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, infections, or soft-tissue masses. The total time you spend at the imaging center for this procedure includes preparation, the core scanning time, and post-scan steps.
Preparing for the Hand MRI
The total appointment time begins with administrative steps like check-in and completing any necessary paperwork. Once these initial tasks are finished, a technologist will review a safety questionnaire with you to screen for any metallic implants or medical devices that could be incompatible with the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine. This screening is a safety measure, as the magnetic field can affect certain metallic objects within the body.
You must remove all metallic items, which include jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and clothing with metal zippers or buttons, often changing into a hospital gown. This strict removal of metal is mandatory to prevent image distortion and ensure your safety during the scan. The technologist will also take time to explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have before the scan begins. This entire preparation phase is separate from the actual imaging time.
The Core Scanning Duration
The core scanning duration for a standard, non-contrast hand MRI typically falls within a range of 20 to 45 minutes. Some facilities report the average wrist or hand scan to take as little as 19 minutes. During this time, you lie on a movable table, and your hand is carefully positioned inside a specialized device known as a coil. This coil acts as an antenna to help capture the high-resolution images necessary for diagnosis.
You will be positioned with your hand placed centrally in the machine bore, and for comfort, your arm may be outstretched in front of you. Remaining completely still is paramount throughout the entire scan, as movement can blur the images and require sequences to be rerun, thereby prolonging the overall process. The machine produces a series of loud, repetitive knocking or tapping noises. These noises are the result of electrical currents rapidly switching in the scanner’s gradient coils. Hearing protection, such as earplugs or headphones, is provided to dampen these sounds.
A hand MRI is generally less anxiety-provoking than scans of the head or torso, as only the arm and hand are fully inserted into the machine’s tunnel. The technologist operates the scanner from an adjacent room but maintains communication with you via a two-way microphone system. The total scan time is a composite of multiple imaging sequences, each one providing a different type of image contrast to visualize various tissues and potential pathology.
Factors That Can Extend the Timeline
The length of the core scan can be extended by several factors beyond the standard protocol. The most common reason for an increased timeline is the requirement for a contrast agent, typically a gadolinium-based compound. This contrast material is injected intravenously to enhance the visibility of certain tissues, such as areas of inflammation, tumors, or blood vessels, leading to clearer diagnostic images.
Contrast Agent Use
If a contrast agent is needed, an intravenous line must be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand before the scan begins. This step adds preparatory time to the procedure. The scan itself will be split into a non-contrast portion followed by the contrast-enhanced imaging sequences, which can collectively add 15 to 30 minutes to the imaging time.
Patient Movement and Specialized Requests
Excessive patient movement during the scan also forces an extension. If you move, the resulting images will be blurry, and the technologist will have to repeat the specific imaging sequence to obtain a clear picture. Finally, the referring physician may request specialized or additional imaging sequences for a complex case, which necessitates more data acquisition and, consequently, a longer total scan duration.