If you’ve been dealing with wrist pain that doesn’t seem to go away, you’re not alone. Whether it started after an injury or appeared gradually over time, your doctor may recommend a wrist MRI to better understand what’s happening inside your wrist.
What is a wrist MRI scan?
A wrist MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a safe, non-invasive procedure that makes clear, detailed, cross-sectional images of the inside of your wrist. It shows the key structures, including bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
An MRI doesn't use radiation like X-rays or CT scans do. Instead, it employs radio waves and a strong magnetic field, which makes it safer for many people.
When is a wrist MRI used?
Your doctor may suggest a wrist MRI if you have ongoing problems in your wrist that need a closer look. This medical imaging can help if you have:
Pain, swelling, or stiffness that isn’t getting better
Possible injuries to ligaments or tendons, such as sprains, tears, or strains
A broken bone (fracture) that doesn’t show clearly on an X-ray
Carpal tunnel syndrome, to check if a nerve is being pressed
Arthritis or joint issues, to look for inflammation or damage to the cartilage
A lump or swelling, like a ganglion cyst or a tumour
Signs of infection or wrist bone problems, such as osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
A wrist MRI gives your doctor more detailed information to help guide your treatment.
For more information about wrist MRI and to determine if it’s appropriate for your condition, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. You may contact Thomson Medical to arrange a consultation for personalised guidance tailored to your individual care needs.
How do I prepare for a wrist MRI?
Preparing for your wrist MRI is simple, and following these steps will help ensure that your scan goes well.
What should you wear?
You must wear comfortable clothing that doesn't contain any metal fragments. This means not wearing anything with zippers, metal buttons, or any other metal object.
You'll also need to remove all jewellery, watches, and metal accessories before your scan. Consider leaving these items at home to make the process easier.
Tell your doctor about any implants
You must inform your healthcare team if you have any metal implants in your body. This includes:
Pacemakers (devices that help regulate your heartbeat)
Artificial joint replacements (like hip or knee implants)
Metal heart valves
Any other metal implants or devices
These items can interfere with the MRI machine, so your doctor needs to know about them beforehand.
Mention any health concerns
If contrast dye might be used during your scan, let your doctor know if you have:
Kidney problems
Any known allergies, especially to contrast materials
Eating and drinking
You can usually eat and drink normally before your wrist MRI. Your doctor will let you know if you need to fast for any reason during a wrist scan, but this doesn't happen frequently.
If you feel anxious about enclosed spaces
Some people feel uncomfortable in small, enclosed spaces like MRI machines. This feeling is called claustrophobia, and it's completely normal. If you think you might feel anxious during the scan, tell your doctor ahead of time. They can provide medication to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
Remember, your healthcare team wants you to feel as comfortable as possible during your scan. Don't hesitate to ask questions or share any concerns you have about the procedure.
How does the test work?
When you get to the MRI for your wrist, you'll lie down on a comfy table with padding. A technologist will place your wrist inside a coil, which is a specialised piece of equipment designed to capture images of your wrist area.
The table you're lying on will slowly move towards the opening of the MRI machine. It looks like a big, open tube, and you'll be put in a position where only part of your body goes inside while your head stays outside in the open air.
When the MRI machine scans, it makes loud noises. You can hear noises like pounding, thumping, or buzzing. This is quite normal and just means that the machine is working properly. To protect your hearing and ensure your comfort, earplugs or headphones will be provided.
During your scan, the most important thing is to keep your wrist as still as you can. Even tiny motions can make the pictures blurry, which could mean that the scan needs to be done again. The technologist will remind you of this requirement and help you get into a comfortable body position so that you can stay still.
Your doctor might need more detailed images of some of the tissues in your wrist. If this is the case, you will get contrast dye through a small tube put into a vein in your arm. This special dye then highlights certain areas, which makes it easier for your doctor to see and examine them.
It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes to do the entire scan of your wrist. The exact time depends on how many detailed pictures your doctor needs to get a good look at your condition.
During the scan, you can talk to the technologist over an intercom system. You can tell them straight away if you need anything or have any questions.
What are the potential risks and side effects of this test?
Wrist MRIs are usually quite safe because they don't use any radiation. But there are a few things you should know:
Metal in the body can change the scan. Always tell your doctor if you have any metal implants, including a pacemaker or a joint replacement.
If you use contrast dye, you can have mild side effects. Some people can feel a little sick, taste metal, or experience slight itching. These responses are rare and normally go away fast.
You may experience anxiety in confined areas. Tell your doctor if you are afraid of being in the MRI scanner or if you have claustrophobia. You can take medicine to help you relax.
Your care team will make sure you are safe and comfortable during the entire scan.
FAQ
What does an MRI of the wrist show?
A wrist MRI produces detailed, high-resolution images of the wrist joint, including the wrist bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and soft tissues. These scan images help your doctor better understand the cause of your wrist pain. It helps your doctor check for:
Fractures or bone injuries:
Detects small or hidden fractures that may not be seen on an X-ray.
Ligament or tendon injuries:
Shows tears, sprains, or swelling (such as a TFCC tear).
Carpal tunnel syndrome:
Checks if the median nerve is being compressed.
Arthritis:
Identifies joint inflammation or damage to cartilage.
Ganglion cysts or tumours:
Detects abnormal growths in your wrist.
Infections or inflammation:
Look for swelling, infection, or fluid in the joints.
How long does a wrist MRI usually take?
Your wrist MRI scan will typically take between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. If your doctor orders contrast dye to get even more high-quality images, the scan may take a bit longer. While you need to stay still during the scan, the test itself is a completely painless procedure.
How to position for wrist MRI?
To get the best MRI wrist joint images, your wrist needs to be placed in a special device called an MRI coil, which acts like a sensor. The MRI technologist will assist you in finding the most comfortable position, which may include the following options:
Lying on your stomach with your arm stretched out in front of you (sometimes called the "superman position")
Lying on your back with your arm positioned by your side inside the scanner
Resting your wrist on a soft cushion inside the special wrist coil to keep it steady
The MRI technologist will guide you and make sure you’re comfortable and in the correct position for the clearest, high-quality images.
Can MRI show nerve damage in the wrist?
Yes, a wrist MRI can show signs of nerve compression, swelling, or injury, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome or after trauma. However, while it shows the structure of nerves, it doesn’t measure how well they are working. For that, your doctor may recommend a nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS).
Which is better, an MRI or a CT scan for your wrist?
It depends on what your doctor is looking for:
MRI is better for viewing soft tissue injuries like tendon tears, ligament tears, damage to cartilage, or nerves.
CT scans are usually better for bone problems, such as fractures or abnormalities.
Your doctor will choose the right test based on your symptoms and medical history.
How much is a wrist MRI in Singapore?
The cost of a wrist MRI in Singapore is typically around SGD 1,035 per side at most private clinics, with prices generally ranging from SGD 900 to 1,068 depending on the provider. This fee is inclusive of GST, and you may use up to SGD 300 from MediSave per year to help cover the cost if eligible.
In public hospitals, subsidised rates are typically lower, with outpatient MRI scans usually costing between SGD 520 and 1,250 before subsidies. Eligible patients can receive up to a 70% subsidy at public hospitals, and MediSave can be used to offset part of the cost.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, arrange a consultation with Thomson Medical.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Specialists (Thomson Medical Centre) — Orthopaedic
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