MRI FOREARM
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
What is an MRI Forearm?
An MRI Forearm uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of your radius, ulna, wrist, elbow, and surrounding soft tissues. No radiation is involved, making it safe for children and adults alike.
Types of MRI Forearm Scans
| Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Forearm MRI | Routine evaluation of bones and soft tissues | 20 min |
| MRI with Contrast | Highlights blood vessels, inflammation, or tumors | 30 min |
| High-resolution Tendon & Ligament Protocol | Zoomed images for sports injuries and micro-tears | 25 min |
List of Parameters
- Bone integrity: Radius, ulna, and small carpal bones
- Joint spaces: Elbow, distal radioulnar, and wrist joints
- Soft-tissue structures: Flexor & extensor tendons, interosseous membrane, muscles
- Vascular & neural pathways: Brachial artery branches, median, ulnar, and radial nerves
Why This Test
- Unexplained forearm pain or swelling
- Suspected fracture not visible on X-ray
- Sports or workplace injury evaluation
- Pre-surgical planning for tendon or ligament repair
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of the Procedure
- Zero radiation exposure—ideal for children and repeat scans
- Multi-planar, 3D high-resolution images from every angle
- Early detection of stress fractures, ligament sprains, and nerve compression
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Forearm
| Condition | MRI Finding |
|---|---|
| Stress fractures | Thin fracture lines, bone edema |
| Tendon tears (ECU, FCU, others) | Discontinuity, fluid around tendon |
| Ligament sprains | Thickening, high-signal intensity |
| Nerve compression syndromes | Swollen nerve, loss of fat plane |
Preparing for test
Pre-requisites
- Remove all metal: Jewelry, watches, hearing aids.
- Fasting: Only if contrast is ordered—fast 4 hours prior.
Best Time to Take the Scan
Within 48 hours of an acute injury for the clearest images.
Eligibility
- All ages welcome; kids under 5 may receive mild sedation.
- Implanted devices checked for MRI compatibility.
Procedure for Taking the Scan
- You lie on your back with the forearm inside a specialized coil.
- The table slides into a wide-bore 3-Tesla magnet for 20–30 minutes.
- Earplugs and music keep you comfortable; you can talk to the technologist anytime.
Caution Before the Test
- Report contrast allergies or pregnancy to our team.
- Bring prior imaging for comparison if available.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding/Observation (Structure Imaged) | Example of Description in Report | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles | High signal intensity on T2-weighted images within the flexor digitorum profundus muscle belly, consistent with interstitial edema. | Indicates muscle strain, myositis, or early muscle tear. Often related to overuse or trauma. |
| Ligament thickening | Enlarged, bright ligament | Grade 2 sprain; rest and physio advised |
| Tendons | Thickening and increased intrasubstance signal of the common extensor tendon origin without discrete tear. | Consistent with tendinosis or tendinopathy—often seen in lateral epicondylitis ("tennis elbow"). |
| Tendon discontinuity | Gap in tendon fibers | Complete tear needing surgery |
| Bones | Linear area of low signal intensity on T1 and high signal intensity on STIR in the ulnar diaphysis with surrounding marrow edema. | Suggests a stress fracture, bone contusion, or early osteomyelitis—clinical and lab correlation needed. |
| Bone marrow edema | Bright signal on T2 images | Possible stress fracture or bone bruise |
| Nerves | Focal enlargement and T2 hyperintensity of the median nerve beneath the pronator teres muscle. | Suggestive of median nerve entrapment (e.g., Pronator Teres Syndrome) or neuritis. |
| Soft Tissue Mass | Well-circumscribed, lobulated T1 and T2 hyperintense lesion in the subcutaneous dorsal forearm, consistent with fat signal. | Typical features of a benign lipoma. |
| Nerve enlargement | Swollen median or ulnar nerve | Compression likely; further tests may be needed |
| Joint Space | Moderate joint effusion in the radiocapitellar joint, with synovial enhancement post-contrast. | Indicates intra-articular inflammation—seen in arthritis, trauma, or infection. |
| Inflammation / Infection | Diffuse subcutaneous and fascial edema with enhancement in the volar forearm. | Suggestive of cellulitis or early fasciitis—requires clinical correlation and possibly antibiotics. |
Risks & Limitations
- Minimal risk: No radiation; safe contrast agents (gadolinium) used only when needed.
- Limitations: Metallic implants, pacemakers, or claustrophobia may require special protocols or alternative imaging.
FAQs
How long does an MRI Forearm take?
20–30 minutes, including positioning.
Is the scan painful?
No. You may feel warmth but no pain; mild discomfort only if your arm is tender.
Can I eat before the test?
Yes, unless contrast is ordered—then fast 4 hours beforehand.
When will I get my report?
Same day in most cases; urgent cases within 2 hours.
Does insurance cover MRI Forearm at Cadabams?
Most major insurers are accepted; our front desk will verify coverage before your scan.
What is the average cost of forearm MRI at Cadabams Diagnostics?
- The cost of an MRI scan can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the scan, whether contrast material is used, and specific facility fees. For precise information on the average cost of forearm MRI at Cadabams Diagnostics, please contact our billing department directly or visit our page. Our team will be happy to provide you with an estimate.
Do I need an injection for a forearm MRI?
Not always. Sometimes, a contrast dye (usually gadolinium-based) is injected into a vein during the MRI Forearm scan. This contrast material helps to highlight certain structures, such as blood vessels, areas of inflammation, or tumors, making them more visible on the images. Your doctor, in consultation with the radiologist, will decide if a contrast injection is necessary for your specific clinical situation to get the most diagnostic information. If it is needed, the technologist will explain the procedure to you.