Imaging · London
Private wrist & hand MRI in London, read by a musculoskeletal radiologist.
Indicative pricing
What a wrist or hand MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£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.
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.
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Not sure if you need one?
Sometimes physiotherapy or a specialist review is the better first step.
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Not sure who reads it?
Look for clinics where a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study.
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 most common questions.
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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.
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.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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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. The scanning centre will need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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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 it explained before your follow-up, ask your GP or specialist.
- 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
Frequently asked
Common questions 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?
An arthrogram or imaging both sides costs more.
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Do I need a referral?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard wrist or hand MRI.
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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. The clinic should 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, the report and images can be passed 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.
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Is a wrist or hand MRI safe?
With no ionising radiation, it is one of the safest tests there is. Certain metal implants are checked for beforehand.