FAQ: MRI for Wrist Pain With Normal X-rays

What does it mean to have wrist pain with a normal X-ray?

This occurs when wrist pain persists or worsens, but X-rays do not show fractures or obvious bone problems. X-rays mainly assess bones, while many wrist issues involve ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and small joint structures that X-rays cannot visualise.

If my X-ray is normal, does that mean my wrist is fine?

Not necessarily. A normal X-ray does not rule out:

• Ligament injuries (e.g. scapholunate ligament)

• Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries

• Tendon inflammation or tears

• Cartilage damage

• Early stress injury

MRI is often required to identify these causes accurately.

When should an MRI be considered for wrist pain?

An MRI is commonly considered when:

• Wrist pain persists beyond a few weeks

• Pain keeps recurring

• There is weakness or loss of grip strength

• Pain worsens with lifting, twisting, or weight-bearing

• Swelling or clicking is present

• Physiotherapy or rest has not helped

• X-rays do not explain the symptoms

What can an MRI show that X-rays cannot?

MRI provides detailed images of:

• Wrist ligaments and cartilage

• TFCC structures

• Tendons and tendon sheaths

• Bone marrow changes

• Joint fluid and inflammation

This allows clinicians to pinpoint the exact source of wrist pain.

Is MRI especially useful after a fall or sports injury?

Yes. MRI is particularly helpful when wrist pain:

• Started after a fall onto the hand

• Followed a twisting or impact injury

• Occurs during sports or repetitive manual work

MRI helps assess ligament and cartilage injuries that are commonly missed on X-ray.

How long does it take to get a wrist MRI in Singapore?

Waiting time depends on the pathway:

• Public hospitals:
  Non-urgent outpatient wrist MRI scans may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand.

• Private or clinic-based options:
  MRI scans are usually arranged much faster.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, wrist MRI scans can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to clinical assessment.

How much does a wrist MRI cost in Singapore?

Costs vary depending on provider and scan complexity:

• Public hospitals:
  Lower out-of-pocket cost due to subsidies, but longer waiting times.

• Private hospitals / imaging centres:
  Higher and often variable pricing.

• The Pain Relief Clinic:

  • Clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient wrist MRI scans

  • Costs explained before proceeding, reducing uncertainty

Do I need to go to a separate imaging centre for the MRI?

Often, yes. Many care pathways require:

• Seeing a doctor at one location

• Travelling to a separate imaging centre

• Returning later for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic:

• MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system

• No off-site imaging travel

• Faster review and smoother coordination

Can Medisave be used for wrist MRI scans?

Yes. Medisave can be used for outpatient MRI scans, subject to prevailing outpatient diagnostic limits.

Patients can clarify:

• Medisave eligibility

• Expected out-of-pocket cost
  before proceeding.

Are insurance claims or instalment options available?

Depending on coverage, patients at The Pain Relief Clinic may access:

• Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

• Cashless arrangements where applicable

• Interest-free instalment plans

• Cash and card payments

This flexibility helps manage wrist injuries that affect work and daily function.

What happens after the MRI?

After imaging:

• Findings are reviewed alongside symptoms and examination

• The cause of wrist pain is explained clearly

• Next steps may include targeted conservative care, monitoring, or referral if needed

Accurate imaging helps avoid unnecessary delays and ineffective treatments.

Key Takeaway

Wrist pain with a normal X-ray is common and often involves ligament or cartilage injury. MRI frequently provides the clarity needed to guide appropriate care.

In Singapore:

• Public hospitals offer subsidised scans but may involve waiting weeks or more

• Private hospitals provide faster access with variable pricing

• The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical option with:

  • Clear upfront pricing under S$1,000

  • Fast MRI arrangement

  • No off-site imaging

  • Flexible payment options, including Medisave, insurance, cashless and instalments