Arm MRI scan

You will wear a hospital gown or clothes without metal zippers or snaps (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt). Make sure you take off your watch, jewelry, and wallet. MRI can pull on any metallic objects. Some types of metal can cause blurry images. You will lie on a narrow table that slides into a large tunnel-like…

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the scan. Tell your health care provider if you are afraid of closed spaces (have claustrophobia). You may be given a medicine to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Your provider may suggest an "open" MRI, in which the machine is not as close to…

An MRI exam causes no pain. You will need to lie still. Too much movement can blur MRI images and cause errors. The table may be hard or cold, but you can ask for a blanket or pillow. The machine makes loud thumping and humming noises when turned on. You can wear ear plugs to help block out the noise. An intercom in…

This test provides clear pictures of parts of the arm that are hard to see clearly on CT scans. Your provider may order this test if you have: A mass that can be felt on a physical exam An abnormal finding on an x-ray or bone scan Arm pain and a history of cancer Arm or wrist pain that does not get better with…

A normal result means your arm looks OK.

Abnormal results may be due to: Degenerative changes due to age Abscess Bursitis of the elbow or wrist Broken bone or fracture Ganglion cyst in the wrist Infection in the bone Ligament, tendon, or cartilage injury in the wrist or elbow Muscle damage Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) Tumor or cancer in the bone,…

MRI uses no radiation. There have been no reported side effects from the magnetic fields and radio waves. It is also safe to have MRI performed during pregnancy. No side effects or complications have been proven. The most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. It is very safe. Allergic reactions to the…

Tests that may be done instead of an MRI of the arm include: CT scan of the arm Arm x-ray A CT scan may be preferred in an emergency. The test is faster than MRI and often available in the emergency room.

Anderson MW, Fox MG. MRI of the arm. In: Anderson MW, Fox MG, eds. Sectional Anatomy by MRI and CT. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 4. Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic…