MRI of the hand without contrast medium | MRI of the hand

MRI of the hand without contrast medium

No contrast medium is used in patients with a contraindication against the use of a contrast medium, for example, due to a known renal insufficiency. Without contrast medium, particularly bony changes can be detected. Even if there is no contraindication against the use of a contrast medium, an MRI is often performed without contrast medium, as it is often sufficient according to the problem at hand. Contrast medium is mainly used when very similar body tissues have to be separated from each other, such as muscles and blood vessels. An MRI of the hand without contrast medium is less suitable for the detection of inflammation or suspected tumors.

MRI of the wrist

The term ‘wrist‘ is used colloquially for two joints: the joint between the forearm and the carpal bones and the joint between the individual carpal bones. An MRI examination of the wrist serves to better visualize these numerous small joint surfaces with many surrounding ligaments. Rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism) can manifest itself in the area of the wrist.

This inflammatory disease can be detected by MRI at an early stage. A better differentiation is possible by administering contrast medium through a vein, since the contrast medium accumulates in the area of the inflammation.In addition, various tumors can develop in the bones and adjacent soft tissue structures. These can also be clearly distinguished from their surroundings with the aid of a contrast medium injection.

In recent years, MR arthrography has become established for the imaging of various joints. In this procedure, a sterile contrast medium is injected directly into the joint capsule in the area of the wrist under X-ray control. As the joint capsule unfolds, it is possible to differentiate between fine cracks in the area of the joint capsule (e.g. imaging of a ganglion), the adjacent cartilage of the joint surfaces (e.g. discus injuries) and adjacent tendons.

Duration of an MRI of the hand

The examination of the hand in the MRI takes about 30 minutes. However, the duration varies from patient to patient and depending on the problem to be examined. Due to an injection of contrast medium, which is only occasionally required for an MRI examination of the hand, an examination can take a few minutes longer.

How often the images have to be taken depends on how calmly the hand can be held during the examination. Movement reduces the image quality. An MRI arthrography usually takes up to 90 minutes in total, since the contrast agent must be injected into the joint space approximately 30 to 45 minutes before the MRI imaging.

If there is a medical indication for performing an MRI, the costs are always covered by the health insurance company. In general, it can be said that an MRI is always covered if there is a referral from a doctor for an MRI examination. If the MRI is only performed at the patient’s request and the treating physician does not see an indication for it, the patient must pay the costs himself.

The physician should inform the patient that the costs must be covered by the patient himself. For an MRI examination of the hand, the costs amount to approximately 450€. Even if this examination reveals a pathological finding, the costs must ultimately be covered by the patient.