Hand MRI in Singapore: Price, Uses and Safety

Hand MRI price: S$990

A hand MRI available through The Pain Relief Clinic in Singapore currently costs S$990.

The S$990 price includes:

• The hand MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

Current price: S$990
Price last reviewed: 9 August 2026
Appointment availability: Often within one working day, subject to availability and MRI safety clearance
MediSave: Up to S$600 may be available for eligible outpatient scans, subject to prevailing conditions
Insurance: Coverage depends on the patient’s policy, medical indication and insurer approval

Additional charges may apply if contrast, specialised imaging sequences or a different MRI protocol is medically required. The final scan protocol and price will be confirmed before proceeding.

When medically indicated, The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange a hand MRI within one working day, subject to imaging-centre availability and scheduling.

What is a hand MRI?

A hand MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed images of the bones, joints and soft tissues within the hand.

MRI does not use X-rays or ionising radiation. It uses a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency signals and computer processing to create detailed images.

Depending on the prescribed protocol and selected area, a hand MRI may assess:

• Metacarpal bones
• Finger bones
• Finger joints
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Cartilage
• Bones and bone marrow
• Nerves and surrounding tissues
• Areas of inflammation or fluid
• Soft-tissue lumps or masses

Not every episode of hand pain requires MRI. The appropriate investigation depends on the location of the symptoms, examination findings, previous investigations and whether the MRI result is likely to affect treatment.

When might a doctor consider a hand MRI?

A doctor may consider hand MRI when symptoms are persistent, unexplained, functionally limiting or associated with a suspected structural injury.

Possible situations include:

• Persistent hand pain that has not improved as expected
• Persistent symptoms following an injury
• Suspected tendon injury
• Suspected ligament injury
• Finger-joint instability
• Unexplained swelling
• Difficulty bending or straightening a finger
• Finger locking or catching
• Persistent symptoms despite a normal or inconclusive X-ray
• Suspected cartilage or joint-surface damage
• Suspected stress injury or occult fracture
• Unexplained weakness
• A soft-tissue lump requiring further characterisation
• Concern about inflammation or infection
• Symptoms following previous hand surgery
• Planning treatment when MRI findings could affect the decision

Having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean that an MRI is required. A doctor should assess the location, severity and duration of the symptoms before recommending imaging.

Persistent hand pain after an injury

Hand injuries may occur following:

• A fall
• Direct impact
• A twisting injury
• A sports injury
• A crush injury
• Forceful gripping
• A finger being bent backwards
• Repetitive loading

Persistent symptoms may sometimes be associated with:

• Tendon injury
• Ligament injury
• Joint damage
• Bone bruising
• A fracture not visible on the original X-ray
• Scar tissue
• Another structural abnormality

MRI may be considered when recovery is taking longer than expected or when the examination suggests an injury requiring further assessment.

Significant trauma with deformity, an open wound or loss of circulation requires urgent medical care rather than a routine MRI appointment.

Hand pain affecting work and daily life

Persistent hand symptoms can interfere with:

• Typing
• Writing
• Using a computer mouse
• Using a mobile phone
• Gripping
• Carrying bags
• Opening containers
• Cooking
• Dressing
• Personal care
• Driving
• Manual work
• Playing musical instruments
• Gym training
• Racquet sports
• Caring for children or older family members

Some people seek further assessment because pain or weakness is reducing their productivity or preventing them from performing normally. Others worry that the loss of grip or fine hand control will affect their independence.

Identifying the likely source of the symptoms can help determine whether the next step should involve rehabilitation, activity modification, treatment, observation or imaging.

What can a hand MRI show?

Depending on the scan protocol and clinical question, hand MRI may help assess the following structures and conditions.

Tendon injuries

MRI may provide detailed images of the tendons that bend and straighten the fingers.

Possible findings may include:

• Tendon degeneration
• Inflammation around a tendon
• Partial tearing
• Complete tearing
• Tendon displacement
• Changes following a previous injury

MRI findings should be interpreted together with the person’s ability to move the affected finger and the physical examination.

Ligament injuries

MRI may help assess ligaments supporting the finger and hand joints.

A ligament injury may cause:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Joint instability
• Reduced grip
• Difficulty using the affected finger
• Persistent symptoms after a sprain

The location of the suspected injury should be identified before the scan so that the correct area is examined.

Cartilage and joint abnormalities

MRI may provide information about:

• Articular cartilage
• Joint surfaces
• Joint fluid
• Synovial tissue
• Osteochondral injuries
• Inflammatory changes

These findings may be relevant when the hand is persistently swollen, stiff or painful.

Bone and bone-marrow abnormalities

MRI can show changes within bone marrow that may not be visible on an early X-ray.

These may include:

• Bone bruising
• Stress injury
• Some fractures
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Other structural abnormalities

Soft-tissue lumps

A hand MRI may be considered when there is an unexplained lump or area of swelling.

The scan may provide information about:

• The location of the abnormality
• Its size and extent
• Its relationship to nearby tendons, nerves and joints
• Whether it appears solid or fluid-filled
• Whether further assessment is required

MRI cannot always provide a final diagnosis. Further imaging, referral or tissue testing may sometimes be needed.

Finger locking or catching

A finger that locks or catches may be associated with a tendon problem commonly called trigger finger.

Many cases can be diagnosed through the symptoms and physical examination without MRI.

Imaging may be considered when:

• The diagnosis is uncertain
• The symptoms are unusual
• Previous treatment has not helped
• Another structural abnormality is suspected
• A soft-tissue lump is present

Ultrasound may sometimes be more appropriate because it can show superficial tendons while the finger moves.

Hand pain with numbness or tingling

Numbness, tingling or burning in the hand may originate from:

• A nerve within the hand
• Nerve compression at the wrist
• Nerve irritation around the elbow
• A cervical spine nerve root
• The brachial plexus
• Another neurological condition

Selecting the correct investigation is important because a hand MRI does not automatically assess the wrist, elbow, brachial plexus or cervical spine.

Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may consider:

• Hand MRI
• Wrist MRI
• Elbow MRI
• Cervical spine MRI
• Brachial plexus MRI
• Nerve-conduction studies
• Electromyography
• Ultrasound

Hand MRI versus wrist MRI

A hand MRI and wrist MRI examine different anatomical areas.

Hand MRI

A hand MRI may focus on:

• Metacarpals
• Fingers
• Finger joints
• Tendons and ligaments within the hand
• Soft tissues of the hand

Wrist MRI

A wrist MRI may focus on:

• Wrist joint
• Carpal bones
• Wrist ligaments
• Triangular fibrocartilage complex
• Tendons and nerves around the wrist

One examination may not fully cover both the hand and wrist. The correct body region and area of concern should be confirmed before proceeding.

When might MRI not be the first investigation?

MRI is not always the first or most appropriate test for hand symptoms.

Clinical assessment without immediate imaging

Some uncomplicated hand conditions can initially be assessed and managed without MRI.

Immediate imaging may not be required when:

• There has been no significant trauma
• There are no concerning warning signs
• Symptoms are recent
• A common tendon or overuse condition is suspected
• Imaging is unlikely to change initial treatment

X-ray

X-ray may be used initially to assess:

• Suspected fracture
• Joint alignment
• Arthritis
• Bone deformity
• Certain bone abnormalities
• Significant trauma

An early X-ray may not show every small or stress-related injury.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound may be useful for assessing:

• Superficial tendons
• Trigger finger
• Some tendon tears
• Fluid collections
• Certain soft-tissue lumps
• Structures during movement

CT

CT provides detailed images of bone and may be preferred for:

• Complex fractures
• Detailed assessment of bony anatomy
• Selected joint abnormalities
• Situations where MRI is unsuitable

The appropriate investigation depends on the suspected condition and whether the result is likely to change treatment.

When is a hand injury an emergency?

An outpatient hand MRI appointment is not the appropriate first step when symptoms suggest a serious or urgent injury.

Seek urgent medical care if:

• The hand or finger is visibly deformed
• A bone is visible through the skin
• There is a deep, contaminated or bite-related wound
• Part of a finger has been amputated
• Severe pain follows a crush injury
• A finger becomes cold, pale or blue
• There is new loss of feeling
• You cannot move a finger after an injury
• Swelling or tightness is increasing rapidly
• A ring is trapped on a rapidly swelling finger
• A hot, swollen hand occurs with fever or systemic illness
• Redness is spreading up the hand or arm
• Sudden hand weakness occurs with facial drooping or difficulty speaking

Call 995 for possible stroke or another potentially life-threatening emergency.

Do not delay urgent assessment while waiting for a routine MRI.

What are the potential benefits of hand MRI?

When medically appropriate, hand MRI offers several potential benefits:

• It provides detailed images of tendons, ligaments and cartilage
• It can assess bones and bone marrow
• It may identify certain injuries not visible on an X-ray
• It may help characterise a soft-tissue lump
• It may clarify persistent or unexplained symptoms
• It may assist with treatment or rehabilitation planning
• It does not use ionising radiation
• It is non-invasive
• The examination includes MRI images
• A radiologist’s report is provided

MRI also has limitations:

• Not every abnormality seen on MRI causes symptoms
• MRI findings must be interpreted with the physical examination
• The scan does not directly measure grip strength or hand function
• Some conditions are better assessed with X-ray, ultrasound or CT
• A separate wrist scan may be required
• Nerve symptoms may require nerve-conduction studies
• MRI may not be needed if the result will not change treatment

Is hand MRI safe?

MRI does not use ionising radiation and is generally considered safe when the required safety checks are completed.

Before the scan, tell the clinic and imaging centre if you have:

• A pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
• A cochlear implant
• Aneurysm clips
• A neurostimulator
• An implanted medication pump
• Metal fragments in the eye or body
• Previous surgery involving metallic implants
• Kidney disease
• A previous reaction to MRI contrast
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Severe claustrophobia
• Difficulty remaining still
• Any implanted or attached medical device

Some implants can be scanned only under specific conditions. The imaging provider must verify the exact device information before the MRI.

Is contrast required for a hand MRI?

Most routine hand MRI examinations can be performed without contrast.

Contrast may be considered for particular clinical questions, including selected cases involving:

• A suspected mass
• Infection
• Inflammatory disease
• Previous hand surgery
• An abnormality requiring further characterisation

If contrast is recommended, the reason, relevant safety considerations and any additional charges will be explained before the scan.

What happens during a hand MRI?

Before the examination, you will complete an MRI safety questionnaire and remove items that may contain metal.

During the scan:

1. You will lie on the MRI examination table.
2. The hand will be positioned within an appropriate imaging coil.
3. The table will move into the scanner.
4. You will hear loud knocking, tapping or humming sounds.
5. Hearing protection will be provided.
6. You will need to keep the hand and fingers still while the images are acquired.
7. The radiographer will be able to communicate with you throughout the examination.

The duration depends on the required MRI protocol and whether additional sequences or contrast are needed.

After the examination, a radiologist will review the images and prepare a report.

Current hand MRI price in Singapore

Hand MRI: S$990

The S$990 price includes:

• The hand MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

Price last reviewed: 9 August 2026

Additional charges may apply if:

• Contrast is medically required
• Specialised imaging sequences are required
• A different MRI protocol is needed
• Additional imaging is requested or recommended

The final scan protocol and price will be confirmed before proceeding.

Can MediSave be used for a hand MRI?

From 1 January 2026, the MediSave annual withdrawal limit for eligible outpatient scans increased to up to S$600 per patient per year.

Eligibility is not automatic. It depends on:

• Whether the MRI is used to diagnose or treat a medical condition
• The prevailing MediSave rules
• Whether the scan is performed through an eligible participating medical institution
• The patient’s remaining annual withdrawal limit
• Whether the applicable medical and administrative requirements are satisfied

Patients may be able to use their own MediSave or an eligible immediate family member’s MediSave, subject to prevailing rules.

The S$600 figure is a maximum annual withdrawal limit for eligible outpatient scans. It does not guarantee that S$600 will be approved or available for every hand MRI.

Please confirm eligibility before proceeding.

Can insurance cover a hand MRI?

Private insurance may cover a medically indicated hand MRI, but coverage depends on the individual policy.

Possible requirements may include:

• Documented medical necessity
• An appropriate medical referral
• Insurer pre-authorisation
• Use of an approved panel imaging centre
• A deductible or co-payment
• Limits on outpatient diagnostic benefits
• Submission of supporting medical information
• Submission of the invoice and radiologist’s report

The insurer makes the final decision about approval and reimbursement.

Patients who intend to claim through insurance should confirm their coverage and any pre-authorisation requirements before undergoing the MRI.

How quickly can a hand MRI be arranged?

When MRI is medically appropriate, The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange a hand MRI within one working day.

This is subject to:

• Imaging-centre availability
• The required MRI protocol
• MRI safety clearance
• Whether contrast is required
• Insurance or MediSave administrative requirements
• The patient’s availability

A one-working-day appointment cannot be guaranteed in every case.

Frequently asked questions

Does every case of hand pain require MRI?

No. Many hand conditions can be assessed and managed without MRI. MRI may be considered when symptoms persist, a significant structural injury is suspected, the diagnosis remains unclear or the result could change treatment.

Can hand MRI show a tendon tear?

MRI may help identify partial or complete tendon tears and other structural tendon changes.

Can hand MRI show a ligament injury?

MRI can provide detailed images of ligaments supporting the hand and finger joints.

Can hand MRI show a fracture?

MRI may show certain fractures, bone bruises and stress injuries that are not visible on an early X-ray. X-ray is usually the first investigation following acute trauma.

Can hand MRI show arthritis?

MRI may show cartilage, joint-fluid, synovial and bone-marrow changes. An X-ray may still be the first investigation for many forms of arthritis.

Is hand MRI the same as wrist MRI?

No. A hand MRI focuses on the metacarpals, fingers and hand structures. A wrist MRI focuses on the carpal bones, wrist ligaments and wrist joint.

Is hand MRI better than an X-ray?

The tests provide different information. X-rays assess fractures, alignment and bone-related changes. MRI provides more detailed images of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone marrow.

Does hand MRI use radiation?

No. MRI does not use ionising radiation.

Is contrast always required?

No. Most routine hand MRI examinations can be performed without contrast. Contrast may be recommended for selected clinical questions.

How much does a hand MRI cost?

A hand MRI available through The Pain Relief Clinic costs S$990.

The price includes:

• The hand MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

Additional charges may apply if contrast, specialised imaging sequences or a different MRI protocol is medically required.

Can I use up to S$600 of MediSave?

Up to S$600 per patient per year may be withdrawn for eligible outpatient scans from 1 January 2026. Eligibility depends on prevailing rules, the participating medical institution, the remaining annual limit and the circumstances of the claim.

Will insurance cover the hand MRI?

It depends on the patient’s policy and clinical circumstances. Medical necessity, pre-authorisation, panel restrictions, deductibles or co-payments may apply.

Will I receive the MRI images and report?

Yes. The S$990 price includes the images from the examination and a radiologist’s report.

Can the MRI be arranged within one working day?

The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange a medically indicated hand MRI within one working day, subject to MRI safety clearance, imaging-centre availability and scheduling.

Arrange a hand MRI

If persistent hand pain, swelling, weakness or reduced movement is interfering with your work, exercise or daily activities, The Pain Relief Clinic can assess whether further investigation may be appropriate.

When medically indicated, the clinic can help arrange an affordably priced hand MRI, often within one working day.

Hand MRI: S$990

The price includes:

• The hand MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

Important medical information

This page provides general educational and pricing information. It does not replace an individual medical assessment.

MRI is not required for every episode of hand pain or every hand injury. The suitability and urgency of imaging depend on the patient’s symptoms, examination, medical history and clinical circumstances.

Prices, availability, MediSave eligibility and insurance coverage should be confirmed before proceeding.

Seek urgent medical care for severe trauma, visible deformity, an open or bite-related wound, rapidly increasing swelling, loss of circulation or sensation, a hot swollen hand with fever, or sudden hand weakness associated with facial drooping or speech difficulty.