MRI scan for a possible hand fracture

[gegs73]

DS1 13, hurt has hand a couple of weeks ago at school. Went to A&E who x-rayed it and said it wasn't broken, but as had hurt it on a growth plate they would refer him for another x-ray in 10 days to make sure he didn't have a late showing hairline fracture. They put him in a splint which he has had on since and it is not hurting at all, unless he takes it off and bangs or pokes it. It's not swollen but does have a slight red mark. Has full movement etc.

Today, we had an appointment with a doctor in the fracture department and were in for literally four minutes tops. He didn't have a copy of his original x-ray, poked his hand and asked if it hurt, then said I'll send him for an MRI scan in 3 weeks.This just seems so over the top! Has anyone else had this? Also if he does go for an MRI does anyone know if would he have to go in the full body machine, or do they have special ones for arms? Having a slight panic. Thank you.

[hhorvath]

Hi OP, he will need to go into the tunnel for the scan but it shouldn't take too long. He will have a button he can press and will be able to communicate with the radiographer.

It is better to have the MRI than to need surgery or lose use of the joint in the future, which could happen if a fracture is missed. Hands are always treated very cautiously because they are so complex and losing function in the hand will have such a huge impact on your life.

[gegs73]

Thanks Hhorvath.

[BurnTheBlackSuit]

My 8 he old had an MRI done. It's fine and nothing to worry about. He just needs to take a cd for them to play through the headphones.

[CMOTDibbler]

The trouble with the bones in your hand is that some (esp the scaphoid) have funny blood supplies and if broken and not fixed they can not heal and lead to arthritis.

You lie like superman in the MRI, so most of you is out

[MrSlant]

CMOT is (as always) correct. There will probably be a special 'coil' to go round smaller body parts which will go in the main magnet. If you take all your metal off and ask nicely you can probably go in with him too if he is nervous.

So like the picture but with his hand going in first. Sounds like good, careful, management to me

[gegs73]

Thank you so much everyone, that's all really useful. It was just a bit of a shock as I thought he would have an x Ray and be sent home. Much appreciated.

[gegs73]

Just to update, DS1 went in for his MRI scan this morning. It was absolutely fine. He lay on his back to go in the machine, with his hand in a special holder and most of his head poking out. The whole thing took about 20 minutes and I was able to sit next to him. It was great he took a CD as the machine is very loud even with silencing ear muffs, so that definitely made him feel more relaxed. Just hope his wrist is ok now!

[BurnTheBlackSuit]

I'm glad it went fine. I hope they find his wrist is fine.

[BurnTheBlackSuit]

I'm glad it went fine. I hope they find his wrist is fine.