MRI scan of shoulder, arm, or hand without contrast

Procedure Information

What is an MRI scan of shoulder, arm, or hand without contrast?

An MRI scan of shoulder, arm, or hand without contrast is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure used to examine the shoulder, arm, and/or hand. It is done using strong magnetic fields, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the area being examined.

Why would I get an MRI scan of shoulder, arm, or hand without contrast?

An MRI scan of shoulder, arm, or hand without contrast can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, rotator cuff tears, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It can also be used to evaluate injuries and other abnormal changes in the area.

What happens during an MRI scan of shoulder, arm, or hand without contrast?

During the procedure, the patient lies on their back on a padded table. The table is then moved into the MRI scanner, which is a tube-like machine. The patient is asked to stay still during the scan in order to ensure clear images. The scan typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete.

What to expect after an MRI scan of shoulder, arm, or hand without contrast?

After the scan, the patient may feel a bit of discomfort from lying in the same position for a period of time. The images from the scan will then be interpreted by a radiologist and sent to the provider for analysis and diagnosis.

Conclusion

An MRI scan of shoulder, arm, or hand without contrast is a painless procedure used to diagnose and monitor conditions related to the shoulder, arm, and/or hand. The procedure takes 30-45 minutes and patients should feel a bit of discomfort afterwards. After the scan, the images will be interpreted and sent to the provider for further analysis and diagnosis.