MRI HAND

MRI Hand Overview

Introduction 

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the hand is a type of imaging that does not require surgery or any form of invasive procedure and generates the images of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels of the hand with great accuracy. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the hand, which does not subject the patient to harmful radiation.  

What is MRI Hand? 

MRI of the hand is a medical imaging technique that utilizes powerful magnets and radiofrequency energy to create detailed images of the soft tissues in and around the hand. It is particularly useful in diagnosing injuries to the soft tissues of the hand, joint disorders, nerve entrapment syndromes, and bone diseases. 

Types of MRI Hand 

• Standard MRI: A technique which utilizes an MRI machine to examine the hand. 
• Assembly MRI: When the MRI machine is used to scan a limb exposed to fire or fractures it is termed as extremity MRI. 
• Orthopaedic MRI: 
• 3D MRI: When the scan is carried out with a computer joint it is termed as computer tomography. 

List of Parameters Considered During MRI Hand

• The position and the bone of the palm of the hand 
• The soft tissue adjacent to the bone 
• Conditions of ligaments and joints 
• Nerve compression or inflammation 
• Issues like infections, tumours, or cysts 
• Abnormalities of soft tissues, vascular, or mass 

Reasons for Taking an MRI Hand

Chronic overuse or sports injuries 

• Possible tendon or ligament injury 
• Arthritis, bone lesions, or infections 
• Disorders of nerve compression (such as in carpal tunnel) 
• Evaluation after surgery and during recovery 

When and Who Needs an MRI Hand? 

Indications: 

• Ongoing pains in the hands along with swelling or difficulty in movement 
• Possible injuries to ligaments, tendons, or muscles. 
• Syndrome of nerve compression (ex: carpal tunnel syndrome) 
• Possible infections of the bone or malignancies 
• Discorded joint changes like arthritis 
• Evaluating the consequences of injury like fractures and dislocations 

Patient Demographics: 

• Professional sportsmen and patients suffering from repetitive strain injruies. 
• Persons paradoxically experiencing the pain or abnormal movement of the hand. 
• Persons with history of broken bones or suffering from dislocation arthritis. 
• Patients suffering from inflammatory ailments involving the hand. 

Advantages of the Procedure

• Does not involve any radiation or incisions 
• Captures detailed images of muscles, bones, and tissues 
• Allows early diagnosis of hand conditions 
• Aids in treatment and rehabilitation development 

Illnesses Diagnosed Using Hand MRI

• Ligament and tendon inflammation and tears  
• Inflammation of nerves like carpal tunnel syndrome 
• Inflammatory joint conditions and osteoarthritis 
• Tumours, lesions, and fractures of the bones 
• Cysts, infections, or blood vessel tissues affected and soft 

Preparing for the Hand MRI

• All metal parts and electronic gadgets should be removed 
• Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothes 
• Inform the operator about pregnancy or any other implants 
• If a dye is going to be used, not eating may be necessary 

Pre-requisites  

• No allergies to the contrast material used (if enhanced MRI is required) 
• Relaxing medicine for anxiety and claustrophobia, if needed 

Best time for conducting Hand MRI 

• At the time that the doctor suggests  
• Ordinarily set in advance to prevent free time and ensure the presence of the professional 

Eligibility 

• Generally safe for all patients except for those who have unfitting metal implants or pacemakers 

Procedure for Taking an MRI Hand 

• Patient reclines on an MRI table where the hand is placed in the scanner  
• A coil is fitted over the hand with the aim of enhancing image quality  
• MRI scans are done using the application of a magnetic field along with emitting radio waves  
• The patient will spend from thirty to sixty minutes in the machine.  
• If required, contrast dye can be added. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• Notify the radiologist using the modalities with pregnancy or any renal illness, or metal implants outline  
• Moving during the MRI scan will result in greatly reduced image quality.