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Hand and Wrist MRI Scan

Hand and Wrist MRI Scan

A hand and wrist MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a non-invasive procedure that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce highly detailed images of the bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and soft tissues in your hand or wrist.

No GP referral needed. Safe, painless, and comfortable. Results reviewed by specialist radiologists and returned within 3 to 5 working days.

  Clinician advice included

No GP referral needed

Share results anywhere

Hand and Wrist MRI Pricing

Excellent pricing that suits your health concerns.

Hand and Wrist MRI Scan at Vitalscan

£375

What’s included
  • One-region MRI scan (hand or wrist – left or right)
  • Review of referral (if provided)
  • Full radiologist report
  • Access to digital scan images

  • Results within 3–5 working days

  • Pre and post-scan patient support

  • Comfortable scanning environment

  • Tea, coffee and cold drinks for free

  • Private consultation room (no waiting around in your gown)
  • Free parking & accessible parking available

Why would I need an Hand and Wrist MRI scan?

A hand and wrist MRI provides precise images of the small bones, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues that are difficult to see with X-rays. You may need one if you have:

  • Nerve compression: Carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve compression, and numbness or tingling in the fingers.
  • Ligament and tendon injuries: Wrist ligament tears, TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) tears, tendon inflammation or ruptures, and trigger finger.
  • Bone and joint problems: Scaphoid fractures and other wrist fractures, wrist arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid), ganglion cysts, and avascular necrosis.
  • Chronic pain and swelling: Ongoing wrist or hand pain with no clear cause, persistent swelling or weakness, and unexplained stiffness or reduced movement.
  • Sports and overuse injuries: Repetitive strain injuries from typing or manual work, gymnast’s wrist, impact injuries from falls, and sports-related trauma.
  • Post-surgical assessment: Checking healing after carpal tunnel release, ligament repair, or fracture fixation.
private mri scan milton keynes

What does an Hand and Wrist MRI Scan show?

An MRI produces detailed cross-sectional images that show:

  • Bones and joints including the small carpal bones, metacarpals, and finger bones, revealing fractures, arthritis, and bone abnormalities.
  • Ligaments to detect tears or damage in the complex network of wrist ligaments, including the scapholunate ligament and TFCC.
  • Tendons including inflammation, tears, and degeneration in the flexor and extensor tendons.
  • Nerves to identify compression of the median nerve (carpal tunnel syndrome), ulnar nerve, or radial nerve.
  • Cartilage to assess wear, damage, or thinning in the wrist joints.
  • Soft tissues to detect ganglion cysts, masses, inflammation, and fluid collections.

Unlike X-rays, which mainly show bone, MRI scans excel at showing soft tissue injuries. This makes them the best choice for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome, ligament tears, and tendon problems.

Who is a Hand and Wrist MRI Scan suitable for?

A hand and wrist MRI scan is suitable if you:

  • Have ongoing wrist or hand pain that hasn’t improved with rest or treatment
  • Experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers
  • Have suffered a fall onto your hand or a wrist injury
  • Feel clicking, catching, or instability in the wrist
  • Need to assess healing after hand or wrist surgery
  • Have been advised by your physiotherapist, GP, or consultant to get an MRI

Important considerations

Most people can safely have an MRI. However, you may need additional checks if you have:

  • A pacemaker, cochlear implant, or other electronic device
  • Metal fragments, plates, or screws from previous surgery (usually safe, but we’ll confirm this with you)
  • Claustrophobia (we have a wide-bore scanner and can discuss options to make you comfortable)

If you’re pregnant or think you might be, let us know when booking. MRI is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but we’ll discuss your individual situation.

Preparation for your Hand and Wrist MRI Scan

No special preparation is needed for a hand and wrist MRI scan.

What to do before your scan:

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zips or fastenings
  • Remove jewellery, watches, and piercings before the scan
  • Let us know if you have any metal implants or medical devices
  • Inform us if you’re pregnant or claustrophobic

You can eat and drink normally before your scan. There are no fasting requirements.

What to expect during your Hand and Wrist MRI Scan

Step 1

Arrival and Prep

When you arrive at Vitalscan, you’ll be welcomed by our team and offered complimentary tea, coffee, or cold drinks. You’ll have a private room with a locker for your clothes and belongings.

Step 2

Getting ready

You’ll be asked to remove any jewellery, watches, and metal items. You’ll change into a comfortable gown. One of our radiographers will explain the scan and answer any questions.

Step 3

During the scan

You’ll lie on the scanning table with your hand or wrist positioned inside the scanner. Because it’s only your arm that needs to be scanned, your head and body remain outside the scanner the entire time. The scan itself takes around 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll need to keep your hand or wrist still during this time.

The scanner makes loud tapping and knocking sounds, but we’ll provide headphones so you can listen to music or the radio. You’ll also have an emergency buzzer to hold in your other hand, so you can contact us at any time.

Step 4

After the scan

Once the scan is complete, you can get changed and leave straight away. There’s no recovery time needed, and you can drive and resume normal activities immediately.

You don’t need to wait around for results. We’ll email your full radiologist report and digital images within 3 to 5 working days. Our team remains available if you have any questions after your appointment.

Your results and radiologist report

Timing

Your scan results will be ready within 3 to 5 working days. We prioritise fast turnaround times so you can move forward with treatment quickly.

Who reviews your scan

Every scan is reviewed by a specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist. Our radiologists are experienced in diagnosing hand and wrist injuries and conditions.

How you receive your results

You’ll receive a full radiologist report and digital images via email. You can share these with your GP, consultant, physiotherapist, or any healthcare provider. If your scan identifies something urgent, we’ll contact you directly.

Why choose Vitalscan for Hand and Wrist MRI Scans

  • Specialist radiology team: Your scan is reviewed by experienced MSK radiologists who specialise in hand and wrist injuries. Our radiology manager and senior radiographers ensure every scan meets the highest clinical standards.

  • Modern Philips 1.5T BlueSeal MRI: Our advanced scanner delivers high-quality images quickly and comfortably. The wide-bore design and patient entertainment options make the experience as relaxed as possible.
  • Fast appointments and results: Appointments available within days, not weeks. Results returned within 3 to 5 working days, so you can move forward with treatment quickly.
  • No referral needed: You can book directly with us. No need to wait for a GP referral or lengthy NHS waiting lists.
  • Comfortable, patient-focused care: Private changing rooms, complimentary refreshments, and a welcoming environment designed to make your experience as stress-free as possible.

Safety and Reassurance

Is an MRI safe?

Yes. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images. There are no known long-term side effects.

Metal implants

Many metal implants are MRI-safe, including most surgical screws, plates, and joint replacements. We’ll ask about any implants when you book, and confirm safety before your scan.

Claustrophobia

Our wide-bore scanner and calming environment help reduce anxiety. For hand and wrist scans, only your arm goes into the scanner, which most people find very comfortable. If you’re worried, let us know and we’ll talk through ways to help.

Contrast dye

Most hand and wrist MRI scans do not require contrast dye. If contrast is needed for your specific scan, we’ll discuss this with you beforehand. Contrast is safe for most people, though you’ll be asked about any kidney conditions or allergies.

Hand and Wrist MRI FAQs

An MRI scan of the ankle and foot uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles in this region.

If you have persistent ankle or foot pain, swelling, or stiffness that hasn’t improved, or if other scans like X-rays haven’t explained your symptoms, an MRI may be recommended.

Unlike X-rays, which mainly show bone, MRI scans give a clear picture of soft tissue injuries such as ligament tears, tendon damage (including Achilles tendon issues), cartilage wear, and early arthritis.

No referral is needed. You can book directly with us, and your scan will be reviewed by a specialist MSK radiologist.

No. The scan is painless. You’ll simply need to lie still while the scanner takes images. You may hear loud tapping sounds, but we’ll provide headphones or earplugs for comfort.

Usually between 20–30 minutes, depending on the exact scan required.

No special preparation is needed. Just remove any jewellery or metal items before your scan.

You’ll receive a detailed radiologist report and digital images within 3–5 working days.

Most metal implants are MRI-safe, including surgical screws, plates, and joint replacements. However, some devices like pacemakers and certain cochlear implants may not be compatible. When you book, we’ll ask about any implants or medical devices you have and confirm whether your scan can proceed safely.

Meet our clinical team

Alice Nitsche

Centre Manager

BSc (Hons), PgC MMR (Dist.)

Mahmoud Abdalla

Radiology Manager & CQC Manager

BSc (Hons), PGD

Abdelfattah Abdelrahman

Senior MRI Radiographer

DipMI, BSc (Hons), CPD (Diag Rad)

Jayme Brooks

Lead Imaging Assistant

Safiatou Jallow

Phlebotomist and Imaging Assistant

Mikhaela Ambagan

Services Coordinator

Easy to reach

Vitalscan is conveniently located near Central Milton Keynes train station, making us easy to reach by car or public transport.

Partnered with leading
health insurance providers

Partnered with leading health insurance providers

Getting the diagnostic tests you need shouldn’t be complicated. We’re proud to work with leading health insurance providers to make access to our services as seamless as possible.

Our patient pathway

Complete Booking

Schedule your scan online.

Confirmation

Receive booking info instantly.

Quality Check

Ensure scan accuracy & safety.

Scan Day

Attend your appointment.

Receive Results

Get your scan results quickly.

Sharing Report

Share findings with your doctor.

Ready to book your private MRI scan?

Ready to
book your scan?

Booking your scan is quick and easy – no referral needed and appointments available as soon as the same day. Get fast, accurate results for peace of mind.

Book a Hand and Wrist MRI Scan

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Contact

01908 755556

100 Avebury Boulevard,
Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH

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Legal

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and operates in accordance with all applicable healthcare standards. Our location ID is 1-14644634325. Our diagnostic imaging services are designed to support clinical decision-making but do not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own healthcare professional.

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