Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that creates detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone, and internal body structures. For a hand MRI, this technology allows medical professionals to visualize the intricate details of bones, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues within the hand and wrist. This article explains what to expect during a hand MRI.
Preparing for Your Hand MRI
Preparing for a hand MRI ensures a smooth imaging session. When you arrive for your appointment, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not contain any metal components, such as zippers or snaps. While there are typically no dietary restrictions for a hand MRI, it is advisable to confirm any specific instructions with the imaging center. Arriving a few minutes early for your scheduled appointment allows ample time for check-in and any necessary paperwork.
It is important to inform the medical staff about your complete medical history, especially concerning any metal implants or devices within your body. This includes pacemakers, certain surgical clips, or cochlear implants, as the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine can affect these items. If you experience claustrophobia, discussing this concern with the staff prior to the scan can allow them to explore options for your comfort. Open MRI machines or mild sedation may be available to help manage anxiety during the procedure.
The Hand MRI Procedure
During a hand MRI, you will enter a large, tunnel-like machine, though for a hand scan, often only your arm will extend into the central opening. Your hand and arm will be carefully positioned within a specialized coil or support designed to optimize image quality.
Once the scan begins, you will hear various loud sounds, including knocking, buzzing, and clicking noises, as the magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses operate. Earplugs or headphones are provided to reduce noise and enhance your comfort. Maintaining stillness throughout the scan is important for producing high-quality images, as any movement can blur the results. The technologist will be able to communicate with you through an intercom system, and you can signal them if you need assistance.
In some cases, a contrast dye, typically a Gadolinium-based agent, may be administered intravenously through a vein in your arm. This dye helps to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or abnormalities, allowing for a more detailed assessment. A typical hand MRI can last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the specific images required.
Receiving Your Results
Immediately following your hand MRI, the imaging technologist will ensure all necessary images have been acquired. The detailed images are then sent to a radiologist. The radiologist carefully reviews these images, looking for any abnormalities or signs of injury or disease within the hand and wrist.
After their review, the radiologist compiles a comprehensive report detailing their findings. This report is then sent to the referring doctor who ordered your MRI. The timeline for receiving your results can vary, but it typically takes a few business days for the report to be finalized and transmitted. Your referring doctor will then schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings with you and outline any necessary next steps, such as further treatment or management plans.
Important Safety Information
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a safe diagnostic tool because it does not use ionizing radiation, unlike X-rays or CT scans. Instead, MRI relies on a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to generate images of the body’s internal structures. This makes it a suitable option for patients who need repeated imaging or wish to avoid radiation exposure.
Despite its safety, the strong magnetic field used in MRI means certain medical devices or metallic foreign bodies are contraindications. Individuals with pacemakers, certain types of aneurysm clips, or cochlear implants cannot undergo an MRI due to the risk of device malfunction or movement. It is extremely important to fully disclose all medical devices, surgical implants, and any history of metallic foreign bodies, such as shrapnel, to the MRI technologist and medical staff before the scan. They will assess your specific situation to ensure your safety.