MRI THUMB

Introduction to Thumb MRI 

An MRI of the thumb is a specialized scan used to assess the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and soft tissues of the thumb. It is highly sensitive to detect trauma, ligament tears, tendon injuries, arthritis, and tumours. 

What is an MRI of the Thumb? 

MRI of the thumb uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate high-resolution cross-sectional images, allowing clear visualization of: 

• Ligaments (e.g., Ulnar Collateral Ligament) 
• Tendons (flexor/extensor groups) 
• Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint 
• Soft tissues and nerves 
• Cartilage and bone marrow 

• High-resolution T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences 
• STIR (fat-suppressed) images to detect Edema or inflammation 
• Oblique and axial views to evaluate ligaments/tendons 
• Contrast-enhanced images (if inflammation or tumour suspected) 
• 3D sequences may be used for surgical planning 

When and Who Needs an MRI for Thumb? 

Indications for MRI Thumb Radiology: 

• Thumb pain or swelling of uncertain cause 
• Suspected Skier’s thumb (UCL injury) 
• Trigger thumb or tenosynovitis 
• Arthritis (e.g., base of thumb/CMC joint) 
• Lumps or nodules in soft tissue 
• Persistent pain following trauma or surgery 
• Evaluation of tendon lacerations or ruptures 

MRI of Thumb Benefits:

• Confirm ligament tears or joint instability 
• Diagnose soft tissue tumours or cysts 
• Rule out bone contusions or fractures 
• Evaluate arthritis severity or erosive changes 
• Guide treatment for chronic pain or surgical planning 

Conditions Diagnosed with MRI for Thumb

• Skier’s Thumb (UCL Tear) 
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis 
• Arthritis (e.g., CMC joint) 
• Ganglion cysts or tumours 
• Trigger Thumb 
• Occult fractures 
• Tendon or ligament injuries 

• Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing 
• Remove any metal from hands or wrists 
• No fasting or sedation required (unless patient is claustrophobic) 
• Bring prior imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, CT) if available 

Pre-requisites for MRI of the Thumb 

• Doctor’s referral or prescription 
• Recent X-ray or clinical evaluation 
• Creatinine test if contrast is planned (rare) 

Best Time to Perform MRI Thumb Scan 

• After trauma or suspected ligament injury 
• Persistent thumb pain or swelling 
• Before or after thumb surgery 
• Suspected soft tissue or bone lesion 

Eligibility for MRI of Thumb 

• Safe for most patients 
• Not ideal for patients with pacemakers, cochlear implants, or certain metal devices 
• Caution in pregnant women unless essential 

Procedure for MRI Thumb 

• You will lie on the MRI table 
• A dedicated hand or finger coil may be used to improve image quality 
• The thumb will be positioned carefully and immobilized 
• Scan takes 20–30 minutes 
• If contrast is needed, it will be injected via IV 

Caution during MRI of Thumb Radiology 

• Stay very still to avoid motion artifacts 
• Inform technician of any implants or recent surgeries 
• Mild heating sensation is normal 
• Claustrophobic patients may request open MRI or sedation