MRI of upper extremity joint; without contrast material

Procedure Information

What is an MRI of upper extremity joint; without contrast material?

An MRI of upper extremity joint is a medical imaging procedure that produces detailed pictures of a joint in your upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand). It does not require the use of any contrast material.

Why would I get an MRI of upper extremity joint; without contrast material?

An MRI of upper extremity joint is typically done if a doctor suspects that there might be some kind of damage, such as a tear or inflammation, in the joint. It is also done to help diagnose and evaluate conditions such as arthritis.

What happens during an MRI of upper extremity joint; without contrast material?

During an MRI of upper extremity joint, you will lie on a table in a tunnel-shaped machine. The machine will create a loud humming noise as it rotates around you. You will be asked to hold very still for short periods of time while imaging is taken.

What to expect after an MRI of upper extremity joint; without contrast material?

After the procedure, you should be able to go back to your normal activities. Your radiology provider will review the images and send your doctor a report with the results. In most cases, it takes the doctor a few days to review the results and make any recommendations.

Conclusion

An MRI of upper extremity joint with no contrast material is an imaging procedure that produces detailed pictures of a joint in your upper extremity. It is used to diagnose and evaluate conditions such as arthritis or to look for tears or inflammation. The procedure does not require any preparation and should not interfere with your daily activities. The results are sent to your doctor for review after a few days.