About a forearm MRI scan
The forearm runs from the elbow to the wrist and contains two bones, the radius and the ulna, joined along their length by a strong sheet of tissue called the interosseous membrane. Around them are the muscles that bend and straighten the wrist and fingers, their tendons, and the nerves that supply the hand.
A forearm MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to show these structures in detail. It is often used to look at a lump or swelling, to investigate pain after an injury when an X-ray is normal, or to look for the cause of nerve symptoms such as tingling or weakness in the hand. After some elbow and wrist fractures, MRI can also show injuries to the soft tissues of the forearm, including the interosseous membrane.
Left and right forearms are separate scans. The elbow and wrist have their own scans, so choose those if your symptoms are mainly in a joint.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed, with your arm by your side and a coil wrapped over your forearm. Depending on the scanner, you may lie slightly to one side so your arm is near the centre of the magnet. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and you need to keep your arm still while the pictures are taken. Contrast dye is not usually needed, but may be used to look at a lump or infection; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A forearm MRI can help to look at:
- lumps and swellings, including ganglion cysts, lipomas and other soft-tissue tumours
- muscle and tendon strains, tears and inflammation (tenosynovitis)
- hidden (occult) and stress fractures, and bone bruising
- injuries to the interosseous membrane after elbow or wrist fractures
- nerve compression or injury
- bone, joint and soft-tissue infection
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is needed, and you can eat and drink normally. You may be asked to remove watches, bracelets and rings. If you have had previous X-rays or ultrasound scans of your arm, upload the reports when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Should I book a forearm, elbow or wrist scan?
Book the forearm scan if your problem is in the middle of the arm between the elbow and wrist. If your pain or swelling is mainly at the elbow or wrist joint, those scans give more detailed pictures of the joint. If you are unsure, ask your referring clinician.
Can MRI tell what a lump in my forearm is?
MRI shows the size, position and make-up of a lump, which often helps identify it, for example as a cyst or fatty lump. Sometimes a biopsy is still needed to confirm what it is.
Do I need to book the left or right side?
Yes. Each forearm is a separate scan. If you need both, book them together, as two or more areas booked together qualify for the lower clubbed price.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
- MRI Master – Forearm MRI protocols and planning
- Hand (2014) – MRI detection of forearm soft tissue injuries with radial head fractures
- RadiologyInfo.org – Musculoskeletal MRI
- NHS – MRI scan
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.