Concierge imaging · London
Private wrist & hand MRI in London, read by a musculoskeletal radiologist.
We match you to a vetted London clinic, handle the booking, and stay with you through the consultant report - from ligament and TFCC tears to carpal tunnel, hidden fractures and post-op review.
Why patients choose us
- 01
One person, start to finish
The same clinician runs your enquiry through to the final report.
- 02
No clinic pays us
Our recommendation is independent of any centre, and free to you.
- 03
A curated London panel
A small set of imaging centres, re-vetted twice a year on quality and reporting.
Indicative pricing
What a wrist or hand MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A single wrist or hand MRI in our network: £275-£500, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrist or hand MRI (single, without contrast) | £275–£500 | 20–35 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Both wrists or both hands | £450–£800 | 40–55 min | 24–72 hrs |
| MR arthrogram (with contrast injection) | £450–£850 | 45–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Scaphoid / occult fracture protocol | £300–£550 | 20–35 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Carpal tunnel / nerve protocol | £300–£550 | 25–40 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Post-operative review | £300–£600 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether a contrast arthrogram is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A normal X-ray does not mean nothing is wrong.
Ligaments, the TFCC, nerves and hidden fractures do not show on X-ray - and they are what usually go wrong in a wrist. The right protocol, a 3T scanner and a musculoskeletal radiologist reading it are what turn a scan into an answer. We handle all three.
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Not sure if you need one?
We will say honestly - sometimes physiotherapy or a specialist review is the better first step.
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Standard scan or arthrogram?
Most wrists need a standard MRI; some subtle tears are clearer with a contrast arthrogram. We advise which.
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Not sure who reads it?
We route to clinics where a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
A single clinician from enquiry to signed report - usually within a week.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which protocol, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and safety check
Change into shorts or a gown, remove anything metallic. We have pre-completed the safety questionnaire.
- 05
On the day
In the scanner
20-35 minutes. Often just your arm goes into the scanner, so your head can stay outside the bore.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant musculoskeletal radiologist report in 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Wrist pain, a weak grip or numb fingers can each mean something different. These are the questions we hear most.
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Ligament tears (TFCC, scapholunate)
Detects tears of the wrist ligaments and the TFCC behind pain, clicking and weakness.
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Cartilage & joint-surface damage
Shows damage to the small joint surfaces of the wrist and hand not seen on X-ray.
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Carpal tunnel & nerve compression
Assesses the median and other nerves behind numbness, tingling and a weak grip.
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Tendon injury & tenosynovitis
Looks at the flexor and extensor tendons for tears, inflammation and triggering.
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Occult & scaphoid fractures
The most sensitive test for a scaphoid or hidden fracture when X-rays look normal.
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Arthritis & inflammation
Maps arthritis and early inflammatory change across the wrist and finger joints.
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Ganglion cysts & lumps
Characterises ganglia and other soft-tissue lumps around the wrist and hand.
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Post-surgery review
Assesses a repair or fixation and looks for a new or recurrent problem.
Wrist & hand MRI types
Not all wrist and hand scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard wrist MRI
The everyday wrist scan - ligaments, TFCC, tendons and bone. No injection needed.
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Standard hand MRI
Images the hand and fingers for pain, swelling and unexplained symptoms.
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MR arthrogram
Contrast injected into the joint to show subtle ligament and TFCC tears in fine detail.
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Scaphoid / fracture
A quick focused study for a suspected scaphoid or occult fracture with normal X-rays.
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Carpal tunnel / nerve
Targets the median nerve and carpal tunnel behind numbness and a weak grip.
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Both-side comparison
Images both wrists or hands in one visit when symptoms are bilateral.
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Post-operative
Tailored to assess a repair or fixation and separate it from a new problem.
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3T high-resolution
A stronger magnet for the fine detail the small joints of the hand need.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC registration, rated good or outstanding
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Hand and wrist studies read by a musculoskeletal radiologist
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3T scanners preferred for the fine detail small joints need
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Consultant reports within 72 hours as the norm
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A few checks come first - plates or wires from past surgery are common and usually fine. We confirm before you arrive.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional. We check the model before booking.
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Plates, screws and wires
Almost always MRI-safe. They may cause local artefact but rarely a safety concern.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. We need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray. We arrange this where required.
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Claustrophobia
A wrist or hand scan can sometimes be done with your arm in the scanner and your head outside the bore. Wide-bore options too.
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Dental work, tattoos, coils
Almost always fine. Iron-based tattoo ink may warm slightly - tell the radiographer.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if a contrast arthrogram is planned.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
Reading your report
A wrist report can look intimidating. It isn't.
For any part of the hand or wrist, the report keeps the same four-part shape.
A quiet reminder
The wording is meant for your doctor, not for you - by design.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the wrist or hand scanned, and the clinical question behind it.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (proton density, T2, fat-suppressed). Each highlights soft tissue and bone differently.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structure-by-structure description of ligaments, menisci, cartilage and bone, including any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The short conclusion, up top - read it first. Your specialist adds the context.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover varies by policy and clinic; we check with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about wrist and hand MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, arthrograms, claustrophobia and results.
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What can a wrist or hand MRI show?
Ligament and TFCC tears, cartilage damage, carpal tunnel and nerve compression, tendon injury and tenosynovitis, occult and scaphoid fractures, arthritis, and ganglion cysts - detail X-ray cannot show.
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How much does a private wrist or hand MRI cost in London?
A single wrist or hand is typically £275-£500 in our network. An arthrogram or imaging both sides costs more. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard wrist or hand MRI. An arthrogram needs a doctor to perform the injection - we can arrange a fast-track private GP or specialist.
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Can an MRI find a fracture an X-ray missed?
Yes. MRI is the most sensitive test for a scaphoid or occult fracture, and often shows one when the X-ray looks normal.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Not for a standard wrist or hand MRI. Contrast is used in an MR arthrogram to show subtle ligament and TFCC tears. We explain in advance if it is recommended.
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How long does it take?
A standard wrist or hand MRI takes about 20-35 minutes. An arthrogram takes longer because of the injection. You lie with the arm positioned by the radiographer.
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Can I have it if I am claustrophobic?
Often yes - a wrist or hand scan can sometimes be done with just your arm in the scanner and your head outside the bore. Wide-bore options are available too.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports it, usually within 24-72 hours. With your consent we pass the report and images to your GP or specialist.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies cover wrist and hand MRI when clinically indicated and pre-authorised. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Healix, and we arrange the pre-authorisation.
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Is a wrist or hand MRI safe?
With no ionising radiation, it is one of the safest tests there is. We simply check for certain metal implants beforehand.