Private hand and wrist MRI scan

A hand MRI or wrist MRI uses an MRI scanner to take detailed pictures of the inside of your hand or wrist. It is usually requested after an examination, to look more closely at a problem such as a suspected scaphoid fracture that did not show on an X-ray, a ligament injury or joint inflammation.

FindScan is a directory and enquiry service. We do not carry out scans or give medical advice. We list private clinics that offer MRI, show each clinic's own listed price, and pass your enquiry to the clinic you choose.

What a hand or wrist MRI shows

The NHS describes an MRI scan as a test that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body, used to help find out what is causing symptoms, to check bones and organs, and to see how well a treatment is working. In its guidance on rheumatoid arthritis, the NHS describes MRI as using strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of your joints. MRI does not use ionising radiation.

When you send an enquiry, say which area is affected, for example the thumb side or little finger side of the wrist, the palm or a particular finger, so the clinic can confirm which area to scan.

Common reasons a hand or wrist MRI is requested

NHS sources describe these common problems:

• Suspected scaphoid fracture. The scaphoid is a small bone in the wrist on the thumb side. Leeds Teaching Hospitals explains that sometimes the broken pieces stay close to each other and a fracture line is not visible on X-rays, and that if a scaphoid fracture is still suspected, an MRI scan of the wrist is arranged. In the Leeds pathway, this is arranged through the emergency department's follow-up clinic. If you have had a recent wrist injury, follow the plan you were given there.
• TFCC injuries. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a group of structures, including ligaments and cartilage, that connect the two forearm bones and the wrist joint. Gloucestershire Hospitals says the most common symptoms of a TFCC injury are pain and swelling over the ulnar (little finger) side of the wrist and difficulty rotating the forearm. X-rays are used to check for associated bone injuries, and an MRI will usually pick up a significant tear or injury to the TFCC.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome. The NHS describes this as pressure on a nerve in your wrist, causing tingling, numbness and pain in the hand and fingers, usually worse at night. It can usually be diagnosed by asking about your symptoms and checking your hand. If the health professional is not sure, they may refer you for a nerve conduction test or scans such as an ultrasound or MRI. The NHS says it sometimes gets better by itself in a few months.
• Inflammatory arthritis. For suspected rheumatoid arthritis, the NHS says a GP may arrange blood tests and, if they think you have it, refer you to a specialist (rheumatologist). Scans such as X-rays and MRI may be done to check for joint inflammation and damage.

Only the clinician assessing you can say whether an MRI is the right test. For some of these problems, an ultrasound or X-ray may be used first. See our private ultrasound and private X-ray pages.

When a scan is usually not the first step

Most hand and wrist problems are assessed by examination first. The NHS says it can be hard to tell if a wrist is broken, dislocated or badly sprained, and that an X-ray is used to see if there is a break and how bad it is. For carpal tunnel syndrome, the NHS suggests seeing a GP if your symptoms are getting worse or are not going away, or if treatment at home is not working. See our guide to seeing a GP before a scan.

When to call 111 or go to A&E

For a possible broken arm or wrist, the NHS says:

• Get help from NHS 111 if it is very painful, you cannot use it due to the pain or the pain is getting worse, there is a large amount of swelling or bruising or it is getting worse, it feels very stiff or is difficult to move, or you also have a very high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery.
• Go to A&E or call 999 if the arm or wrist is numb, tingling or has pins and needles, you have a bad cut that is bleeding heavily, a bone is sticking out of your skin, or your arm or wrist has changed shape or is at an odd angle.

Do not wait for a private scan if you have any of these symptoms.

Do you need a referral for a private hand or wrist MRI?

MRI does not use ionising radiation, so the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R) do not apply to it. Many private clinics accept self-referral for MRI, usually after their own safety screening, but each clinic sets its own policy. Some ask for a referral letter, and some offer a review with their own doctor first.

An X-ray is different. It uses ionising radiation, so under IR(ME)R every X-ray must be requested by a referrer and justified. See private MRI without a GP referral.

Preparing for your scan and safety

The NHS advises not wearing anything that has metal in it, such as jewellery, a bra or hair clips, and removing coins or keys from your pockets. You fill in a safety form that asks, for example, whether you are or may be pregnant and whether you have metal parts in your body such as surgical clips or a pacemaker.

The NHS says serious complications from an MRI scan are rare. Mention any metal or implant from previous hand or wrist surgery. Some people cannot have an MRI, or need extra checks first, and the clinic's safety screening decides this. See MRI safety and metal implants.

During the scan, and your results

You lie flat on a bed that moves into the scanner. The radiographer controls the scanner from another room but can hear and speak to you. You need to lie still so the scanner can take clear images, and because MRI scanners make loud bangs and clicks, you are given ear protection.

The NHS says an MRI scan usually takes between 15 minutes and 1 hour, but can take longer. Some scans use an injection of contrast medium (dye) to show more detail; the clinic will tell you if yours does. You can eat and drink as normal afterwards. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, tell the clinic beforehand. See claustrophobia and MRI.

Your images are reported by an appropriately qualified clinician, and the report goes to you or your referrer depending on how the clinic works. The clinic will tell you how long its report takes. Plan to discuss the report with a GP, hand therapist or specialist who can examine you. See scan results.

What affects the price

Each clinic sets its own price, and prices vary. The main factors are which area is scanned and whether one or both sides are needed, whether contrast is used, the type of scanner, whether a consultation is included, and where the clinic is. FindScan shows each clinic's own listed price as the clinic sets it, without mark-up. Check what is included, such as the report, before you send an enquiry. Our private MRI cost guide explains more.

How to compare hand and wrist MRI clinics on FindScan

Use FindScan search to see clinics near you that offer MRI. Compare locations, listed prices and clinic details, then send an enquiry to the clinic you choose. We pass your details to that clinic, which contacts you about your request, referral policy and availability. FindScan does not take bookings or payments.