Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist
Wrist MRI in Casablanca
Wrist MRI provides detailed images, without X-rays, of the eight small carpal bones, the ligaments that connect them, the tendons and the median nerve. It is useful after a fall on the hand when the X-ray seems normal, or for unexplained pain that persists. It can also show joint inflammation or a cyst.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for the wrist sequences.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Suspected fracture of the scaphoid (a small bone at the base of the thumb) not visible on X-ray.
- Pain on the inner (little finger) side of the wrist suggesting an injury to the triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC).
- Instability or pain after a fall, to look for a torn ligament in the carpus.
- Tingling in the fingers at night suggesting carpal tunnel syndrome, in addition to the clinical examination.
- Ganglion cyst or De Quervain's tendinitis (at the base of the thumb).
- Early arthritis, to look for inflammation or bone erosions.
- Suspected Kienböck's disease (damage to the lunate bone).
How the exam is done
After the safety questionnaire has been checked, you remove your watch, bracelets and rings. Depending on the machine, you lie either on your back, with your arm along your body and your wrist in a small dedicated coil, or on your stomach, with your arm stretched above your head (the so-called “superman” position). The hand is held flat, often palm down, with foam pads.
Each sequence comes with knocking noises; you wear headphones or earplugs. The most important thing is to keep your fingers still: squeezing or moving them makes the tendons slide and can blur the images. Between two sequences, you can talk to the team. Afterwards, you leave with no special precautions.
Preparation
- Remove your wedding ring and other rings beforehand, especially if your fingers swell easily.
- If your wrist is immobilized (splint, plaster or fiberglass cast), let the center know: a removable splint will be taken off, and the team will tell you what to do for a cast.
- Tell us if you have a painful shoulder, in case a position with the arm raised is needed.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
Gadolinium is reserved for certain indications (inflammatory arthritis, infection, a cyst or mass to be clarified) and is most often injected into a vein in the other arm. For a detailed study of the ligaments, MR arthrography may be offered.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker or defibrillator: only certain MRI-compatible models allow the exam.
- Cochlear implant, neurostimulator, implanted pump or vascular clip placed a long time ago.
- Metal foreign body, especially a fragment in the eye.
- Plate, screws or pins in the wrist: please tell us, as they can hide part of the area examined.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure before an injection, tattoos, permanent makeup, claustrophobia.
Documents to bring
- Prescription specifying the wrist concerned (right or left).
- X-rays of the wrist, especially those taken after the fall.
- Electromyogram (EMG) or ultrasound if carpal tunnel syndrome has already been investigated.
- List of your current medications.
- Implant card if hardware has been placed, and insurance or mutual insurance fund card.
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a wrist MRI depends on the side examined and on a gadolinium injection reserved for certain indications.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
My X-ray is normal: why have a wrist MRI?
Some fractures, especially of the scaphoid, do not show on the first X-rays. MRI can show a fracture or bone edema (the bone's reaction to the impact) early. This helps your doctor decide on immobilization, which matters because a scaphoid fracture that goes unnoticed sometimes heals poorly.
Is MRI enough for carpal tunnel syndrome?
The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is based mainly on symptoms, the clinical examination and often an electromyogram (a nerve test). MRI or ultrasound may be requested to look for a local cause, such as a cyst or tendinitis, or if symptoms return after surgery.
Why do I need to keep my fingers still?
The tendons that move the fingers run through the wrist. The slightest finger movement makes them slide and can slightly shift the small carpal bones, which blurs structures only a few millimeters in size. A well-supported position from the start helps you stay still.
How is it different from wrist MR arthrography?
MR arthrography adds an injection of contrast agent into the joint before the images. It can improve the analysis of the small carpal ligaments and the triangular fibrocartilage. Your doctor usually requests it when a specific ligament injury is suspected or when surgery is being considered.
Wrist MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a wrist MRI depends on the side examined and on a gadolinium injection reserved for certain indications. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.