MRI is sensitive to changes in the structure of the cartilage resulting from aging or injury making it a helpful tool for assessing the small carpal and metacarpals that form the hand. It can also detect injuries of the ligaments and tendons responsible for the dexterity of the fingers.
MRI is also a reliable technique to prove the presence of fractures in cases where plain x-ray fail to do so.
Indications for an MRI of the fingers are often related to new or old injuries:
- Carpal tunnel impingement
- Numbness of the hand
- Fractures and/or dislocations
- Previous surgery
- Degenerative changes (osteoarthritis of rheumatoid arthritis)
- Torn or strained ligaments
- Inflammation or infection
- Joint pains of the hand (acute or chronic)
- Wrist pain
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye