Chest Wall MRI in Singapore: Price, Uses and Scanner Options

Chest wall MRI price: S$1,030

A chest wall MRI available through The Pain Relief Clinic in Singapore currently costs S$1,030.

The S$1,030 price includes:

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

MRI scanner options available

Depending on the clinical requirements and imaging-centre availability, The Pain Relief Clinic can help arrange:

• 1.5 Tesla MRI
• 3 Tesla MRI
• Wide-bore MRI for patients who are claustrophobic or uncomfortable in conventional MRI scanners

The most appropriate scanner and protocol depend on the clinical question, location of symptoms, implants, body size, ability to remain still and type of images required. A 3 Tesla MRI is not automatically necessary or better for every chest-wall condition.

Current price: S$1,030
Price last reviewed: 10 August 2026
MRI strength options: 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla, depending on clinical requirements
Claustrophobia option: Wide-bore MRI available, subject to suitability and availability
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, broader coverage or a different MRI protocol is medically required. The final scanner, scan coverage, protocol and price will be confirmed before proceeding.

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

What is the chest wall?

The chest wall surrounds and protects the organs inside the chest.

It includes:

• Ribs
• Sternum or breastbone
• Costal cartilage
• Muscles between and around the ribs
• Pectoral muscles
• Connective tissues
• Nerves
• Blood vessels and surrounding tissues
• Skin and subcutaneous tissues
• Joints connecting ribs to the spine and sternum

Pain felt in the chest does not always originate from the chest wall. Similar symptoms may arise from the heart, lungs, digestive system, breasts, thoracic spine or other structures.

New or severe chest pain requires appropriate medical assessment before a routine chest wall MRI is considered.

What is a chest wall MRI?

A chest wall MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed images of a selected area of the chest wall.

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 area of interest, a chest wall MRI may assess:

• Chest-wall muscles
• Ribs and bone marrow
• Sternum
• Costal cartilage
• Joints of the chest wall
• Soft tissues
• Areas of inflammation or fluid
• Soft-tissue lumps or masses
• Structural abnormalities following injury

A chest wall MRI is a targeted examination. It does not automatically provide a complete diagnostic assessment of the heart, lungs, breast tissue or all organs within the chest.

Dedicated cardiac, lung, breast or other chest imaging may be required for different clinical questions.

When might a doctor consider a chest wall MRI?

A doctor may consider chest wall MRI when symptoms are persistent, localised, unexplained or associated with a suspected structural abnormality.

Possible situations include:

• Persistent localised chest-wall pain
• Pain following a sports injury
• Pain after a direct impact
• Suspected chest-wall muscle injury
• Persistent rib or sternal pain despite an inconclusive X-ray
• Suspected bone stress injury
• Localised swelling
• A chest-wall lump requiring further characterisation
• Concern about rib, sternum or bone-marrow abnormalities
• Suspected inflammation or infection
• Symptoms following previous surgery
• Symptoms following radiotherapy
• A relevant history of cancer with a new chest-wall abnormality
• An abnormality identified on another investigation
• Planning treatment when MRI findings could affect the decision

Having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean MRI is required or that a serious condition is present.

A doctor should first determine whether the symptoms are likely to originate from the chest wall or whether another investigation is more appropriate.

Localised chest-wall pain

Chest-wall pain may be felt:

• Over one or more ribs
• Near the breastbone
• Along the costal cartilage
• Over the pectoral muscles
• At the side of the chest
• Around the back near the ribs
• At a specific tender point

Chest-wall pain may be affected by:

• Pressing on the painful area
• Twisting
• Reaching
• Lifting
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Deep breathing
• Exercise
• Lying on the affected side

Possible musculoskeletal explanations include:

• Muscle strain
• Direct bruising
• Rib injury
• Costal-cartilage irritation
• Stress injury
• Joint-related pain
• Thoracic spine or nerve-related symptoms
• Other structural abnormalities

Pain affected by movement or pressure may suggest a chest-wall source, but it does not reliably exclude heart, lung or other medical conditions.

Chest-wall pain after sport or exercise

Chest-wall injuries may occur during:

• Weight training
• Contact sports
• Racquet sports
• Throwing
• Rowing
• Swimming
• Gymnastics
• Sudden twisting
• Forceful coughing
• Repetitive upper-body exercise

Possible injuries include:

• Pectoral muscle strain
• Intercostal muscle strain
• Muscle-tendon junction injury
• Rib stress injury
• Costal-cartilage injury
• Direct-impact injury
• Other soft-tissue abnormalities

MRI is not automatically required for every sports-related chest-wall injury.

It may be considered when:

• Symptoms remain severe or persistent
• Significant muscle injury is suspected
• There is marked weakness or deformity
• A stress injury remains possible
• An X-ray or ultrasound has not explained the symptoms
• The result could affect treatment or return-to-sport planning

Suspected pectoral muscle injury

The pectoralis major is a large chest muscle used during pushing, lifting and many upper-body exercises.

A significant injury may occur during:

• Bench press
• Weight training
• Contact sport
• Sudden forceful arm movement
• A fall or direct impact

Possible symptoms include:

• Sudden chest or upper-arm pain
• A tearing sensation
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Weakness during pushing
• Change in the shape of the chest or armpit region
• Difficulty returning to training

MRI may help assess the location and extent of certain muscle or tendon injuries.

Depending on where the injury is suspected, the protocol may need to include the chest wall, shoulder or upper arm.

Chest-wall lumps or swelling

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

MRI may help show:

• The location of the abnormality
• Its size and extent
• Its relationship to nearby muscles, ribs, nerves and blood vessels
• Whether it appears solid or fluid-filled
• Whether nearby structures are involved
• Whether further investigation is required

MRI cannot always identify the exact nature of a lump.

Additional evaluation may include:

• Ultrasound
• CT
• Blood tests
• Specialist assessment
• Biopsy or tissue testing
• Other investigations based on the clinical situation

A new, enlarging, firm or unexplained lump should be medically assessed.

Chest-wall symptoms affecting daily life

Persistent chest-wall symptoms can interfere with:

• Deep breathing
• Coughing
• Sleeping
• Turning in bed
• Reaching
• Lifting
• Driving
• Computer work
• Manual work
• Gym training
• Sport
• Carrying children or bags
• Household tasks

Some people avoid movement or exercise because they are worried that chest pain may represent a serious problem. Others become anxious when symptoms affect breathing, sleep or work performance.

A medical assessment can help determine whether the symptoms appear to originate from the chest wall or require investigation of the heart, lungs or another organ system.

What can a chest wall MRI show?

The findings depend on the location, scan coverage and prescribed protocol.

Muscles and tendons

MRI may provide information about:

• Pectoral muscles
• Intercostal muscles
• Muscle-tendon junctions
• Other chest-wall muscles

Possible findings may include:

• Muscle strain
• Partial tearing
• More significant muscle injury
• Muscle swelling
• Haematoma
• Fluid collections
• Changes following previous injury

Ribs, sternum and bone marrow

MRI may show bone-marrow changes involving:

• Ribs
• Sternum
• Adjacent bone structures

Possible findings may include:

• Bone bruising
• Stress reaction
• Some fractures
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Other bone-marrow abnormalities

CT may provide better detail when the main clinical question concerns a rib or sternal fracture.

Costal cartilage and joints

MRI may provide information about:

• Costal cartilage
• Sternocostal regions
• Costovertebral regions when included
• Surrounding soft tissues
• Areas of inflammation

The appropriate coverage must be selected based on the precise location of symptoms.

Soft-tissue abnormalities

MRI can show structural features of a soft-tissue abnormality and its relationship to nearby structures.

Contrast may be considered when a mass, infection or inflammatory abnormality requires further characterisation.

Does chest wall MRI assess the heart or lungs?

No. A routine chest wall MRI is designed to evaluate a targeted part of the musculoskeletal chest wall.

It is not a substitute for:

• Electrocardiogram
• Cardiac blood tests
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac MRI
• Chest X-ray
• CT of the lungs or chest
• Pulmonary investigations
• Emergency assessment

Chest pain should not be assumed to be musculoskeletal without appropriate evaluation, particularly when it is new, severe or associated with other symptoms.

Does chest wall MRI assess breast tissue?

A routine chest wall MRI is not the same as a dedicated breast MRI.

A breast MRI uses a specialised protocol, positioning and imaging equipment to assess breast tissue.

Breast symptoms such as a new lump, skin changes, nipple discharge or persistent focal breast pain should receive appropriate breast assessment.

The correct type of imaging may include:

• Mammography
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Other investigations based on age and clinical findings

Chest wall MRI versus chest X-ray, ultrasound or CT

Different imaging tests provide different information.

Chest X-ray

A chest X-ray may assess:

• Lungs
• Selected heart and chest structures
• Certain rib abnormalities
• Other causes of chest symptoms

Ultrasound

Ultrasound may be useful for:

• Superficial lumps
• Fluid collections
• Selected muscle or tendon injuries
• Structures close to the skin
• Dynamic assessment

CT

CT may be preferred for:

• Detailed assessment of ribs and sternum
• Acute chest trauma
• Lung conditions
• Many chest emergencies
• Detailed bony anatomy
• Broader chest assessment

CT uses ionising radiation.

Chest wall MRI

MRI may be useful for:

• Chest-wall muscles
• Soft tissues
• Bone marrow
• Costal cartilage
• Selected structural abnormalities
• Characterisation of certain lumps

The most appropriate test depends on the suspected condition and urgency.

When is chest pain an emergency?

An outpatient chest wall MRI appointment is not the appropriate first step when symptoms suggest a medical emergency.

Call 995 or seek immediate emergency care if there is:

• New or severe chest pressure, tightness or heaviness
• Chest pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, jaw, neck or back
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Sweating, nausea, dizziness or fainting
• Sudden sharp chest pain with difficulty breathing
• Coughing up blood
• Blue lips or severe breathing difficulty
• Sudden tearing pain in the chest or upper back
• Chest pain following significant trauma
• A rapidly expanding chest-wall swelling
• Sudden facial drooping, one-sided weakness or difficulty speaking
• A severe allergic reaction with chest tightness or breathing difficulty

Do not drive yourself if symptoms may represent a heart, lung or other life-threatening emergency.

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

Is the chest wall MRI performed on a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla machine?

Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines are available, depending on the clinical situation and imaging-centre availability.

Tesla, abbreviated as “T”, describes the strength of the MRI machine’s magnetic field.

1.5 Tesla chest wall MRI

A 1.5 Tesla MRI is widely used for musculoskeletal imaging and can produce clinically useful images for many chest-wall conditions.

It may be suitable for assessing:

• Muscles
• Tendons
• Soft tissues
• Bone marrow
• Costal cartilage
• Areas of inflammation
• Many common structural abnormalities

3 Tesla chest wall MRI

A 3 Tesla MRI uses a stronger magnetic field and may provide a higher signal or allow more detailed imaging for selected clinical questions.

It may be considered when:

• Greater anatomical detail is clinically useful
• A small or complex abnormality requires focused assessment
• A specialised protocol is requested
• The referring doctor or radiologist considers it appropriate
• Imaging requirements favour a 3 Tesla examination

A 3 Tesla MRI is not automatically better for every chest-wall condition. A properly performed 1.5 Tesla examination may provide the necessary diagnostic information.

The scanner and protocol should be selected according to the clinical question rather than field strength alone.

Is a wide-bore MRI available for claustrophobic patients?

Yes. Wide-bore MRI machines are available for patients who are claustrophobic or uncomfortable in conventional MRI scanners, subject to suitability and appointment availability.

A wide-bore MRI has a larger internal opening than many traditional MRI machines.

The additional space may help patients who:

• Feel anxious in enclosed spaces
• Have previously been unable to complete an MRI
• Are concerned about claustrophobia
• Have a larger body size
• Find conventional scanners uncomfortable
• Prefer a more spacious scanning environment

A wide-bore MRI is not the same as a completely open MRI. The patient will still be positioned inside the scanner, but the opening is wider and may feel less restrictive.

Patients concerned about claustrophobia should inform The Pain Relief Clinic before the appointment so that a suitable scanner can be considered.

For severe claustrophobia, additional preparation or medication may still be required.

What are the potential benefits of chest wall MRI?

When medically appropriate, chest wall MRI offers several potential benefits:

• It provides detailed images of chest-wall muscles and soft tissues
• It can assess bone marrow
• It may show costal-cartilage abnormalities
• It may help assess selected sports or muscle injuries
• It may help characterise a chest-wall lump
• It may clarify persistent and localised symptoms
• It does not use ionising radiation
• It is non-invasive
• Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla options are available
• Wide-bore MRI is available for selected claustrophobic patients
• The examination includes MRI images
• A radiologist’s report is provided

MRI also has limitations:

• It does not replace emergency assessment for chest pain
• It is not a complete examination of the heart or lungs
• It is not the same as a breast MRI
• CT may be better for certain rib, sternal or lung conditions
• Not every MRI abnormality causes symptoms
• MRI findings must be interpreted with the clinical assessment
• MRI may not be needed if the result will not change treatment

Is chest wall 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
• Chest implants or previous chest surgery
• Breast 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.

Metallic implants may affect image quality. A specialised protocol or particular scanner strength may sometimes be preferred.

Is contrast required for a chest wall MRI?

Many chest wall MRI examinations can be performed without contrast.

Contrast may be considered for selected clinical questions involving:

• A suspected mass
• Infection
• Inflammatory disease
• Previous chest surgery
• Previous radiotherapy
• A relevant history of cancer
• 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 chest wall 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 area of concern will be marked or clearly identified.
3. The chest wall will be positioned using the appropriate imaging equipment.
4. The table will move into the scanner.
5. You will hear loud knocking, tapping or humming sounds.
6. Hearing protection will be provided.
7. You will need to remain still while the images are acquired.
8. You may be asked to follow breathing instructions during selected sequences.
9. The radiographer will be able to communicate with you throughout the examination.

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

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

Current chest wall MRI price in Singapore

Chest wall MRI: S$1,030

The S$1,030 price includes:

• The chest wall MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report
• Access to a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla MRI machine, depending on clinical requirements and availability
• A wide-bore MRI option when appropriate and available

Price last reviewed: 10 August 2026

Additional charges may apply if:

• Contrast is medically required
• Specialised imaging sequences are required
• A broader area of the chest needs to be examined
• A different MRI protocol is needed
• Dedicated cardiac, breast, lung or thoracic spine imaging is required
• Additional imaging is requested or recommended

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

Can MediSave be used for a chest wall 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 chest wall MRI.

Please confirm eligibility before proceeding.

Can insurance cover a chest wall MRI?

Private insurance may cover a medically indicated chest wall 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 clinical 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 chest wall MRI be arranged?

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

This is subject to:

• Imaging-centre availability
• Availability of the appropriate 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla scanner
• Availability of a wide-bore scanner if requested
• The required MRI protocol and area of coverage
• 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

What area does a chest wall MRI examine?

It examines a selected area of the ribs, sternum, cartilage, muscles and soft tissues forming the chest wall. The exact area must be specified before the scan.

Does a chest wall MRI examine the heart?

No. A dedicated cardiac assessment or cardiac MRI is required when the clinical question concerns the heart.

Does it examine the lungs?

Not as a complete lung investigation. Chest X-ray or CT is generally more appropriate for many lung-related conditions.

Is a chest wall MRI the same as a breast MRI?

No. A breast MRI uses a dedicated protocol, specialised positioning and different imaging equipment.

Can chest wall MRI show a muscle tear?

MRI may show structural changes involving the pectoral, intercostal or other chest-wall muscles.

Can chest wall MRI show a rib fracture?

MRI may show bone-marrow injury and some fractures. CT or X-ray may be more appropriate when detailed assessment of a rib fracture is required.

Can MRI assess a chest-wall lump?

MRI may help show the location, size, extent and relationship of a lump to surrounding structures. Further investigation may still be necessary.

Is the scan performed on a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla machine?

Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines are available. The most appropriate scanner depends on the clinical question, required protocol and appointment availability.

Is a 3 Tesla chest wall MRI always better?

No. A 3 Tesla MRI may offer advantages for selected clinical questions, but a properly performed 1.5 Tesla MRI can provide appropriate diagnostic images for many chest-wall conditions.

Is a wide-bore MRI available for claustrophobic patients?

Yes. Wide-bore MRI machines are available, subject to clinical suitability and appointment availability.

Does chest wall MRI use radiation?

No. MRI does not use ionising radiation.

Is contrast always required?

No. Many chest wall MRI examinations can be performed without contrast. Contrast may be recommended for a mass, infection, inflammation or another selected clinical question.

How much does a chest wall MRI cost?

A chest wall MRI available through The Pain Relief Clinic costs S$1,030.

The price includes:

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

Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines are available depending on the clinical requirements. Wide-bore MRI is also available for selected claustrophobic patients, subject to suitability and appointment availability.

Additional charges may apply if contrast, specialised sequences, broader anatomical coverage 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 chest wall 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$1,030 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 chest wall MRI within one working day, subject to MRI safety clearance, imaging-centre availability and availability of the appropriate scanner and protocol.

Arrange a chest wall MRI

If persistent and localised chest-wall pain, swelling or a suspected muscle injury is interfering with breathing, sleep, 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 chest wall MRI, often within one working day.

Chest wall MRI: S$1,030

The price includes:

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

Depending on clinical requirements and availability, the scan may be arranged using:

• A 1.5 Tesla MRI machine
• A 3 Tesla MRI machine
• A wide-bore MRI machine for patients concerned about claustrophobia

Important medical information

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

A chest wall MRI does not replace emergency assessment for chest pain and does not provide a complete examination of the heart or lungs.

The most appropriate scan area, scanner, field strength and protocol depend on the clinical question and individual circumstances.

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

Call 995 or seek immediate emergency care for new or severe chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, sudden shortness of breath, sweating, fainting, coughing up blood or sudden tearing pain in the chest or upper back.