Understanding My MRI Results
I am a 39-year-old female experiencing persistent pain on the ulnar side of my wrist, which has intensified after physical therapy. In response, my physician recommended an MRI scan to gain clearer insights into my condition. Upon reviewing a portion of the results, I noticed something that raised some questions: The MRI indicated that both the carpal tunnel and Guyon's canal looked normal, with the median nerve showing no abnormalities in terms of size or signal. This finding confuses me because I underwent bilateral carpal tunnel release surgery two years ago; it seems contradictory for an MRI to describe these structures as ‘normal’. Admittedly, I do not have extensive knowledge in radiology, but this inconsistency leads me to question the rest of the MRI findings. There was a notable concern regarding a potential tear in the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), which was the primary reason for conducting the MRI, yet the report states that the TFCC “appears intact on this study.”
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 2:10:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your MRI results indicate normal carpal tunnel and Guyon's canal, which may be unexpected given your previous surgery. However, the report also mentions that your TFCC appears intact despite concerns. It’s important to understand these findings and their implications for your ongoing wrist pain.
Explanation: The MRI findings showing normal structures in the wrist can be perplexing, especially after a prior carpal tunnel release. The median nerve typically passes through the carpal tunnel, and since it appears normal, it suggests that there are no signs of compression or issues related to the surgery. This can sometimes happen if your pain is due to a different cause rather than carpal tunnel syndrome.
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is crucial for wrist stability, and the report’s indication that it “appears intact” means there are no visible tears or abnormalities in that structure. If there were concerns regarding a TFCC tear that were not confirmed, it may require further exploration, possibly of other wrist structures or even functional issues related to muscle or tendon.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of your wrist pain, noting the intensity, activities that worsen or relieve the pain, and any other symptoms such as swelling or restriction in movement.
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Physical Therapy Adjustments: Since your pain intensified after physical therapy, consider discussing with your therapist about modifying your therapy plan—or potentially taking a short break. They can adjust exercises to ensure they are not exacerbating your symptoms.
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Consult with Your Physician: Bring your MRI report and your symptom diary to your next visit. Discuss your concerns about the findings and the persistent pain. This can help your physician determine if further investigations are needed to explore other potential causes of your pain, such as tendonitis or other ligament imbalances.
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Pain Management Strategies: Consider strategies to manage pain, such as applying ice, using a wrist brace during activities, and avoiding movements that exacerbate your discomfort.
If you have ongoing concerns or if your symptoms worsen, it’s beneficial to reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss further evaluation and potential treatment options. Remember, it’s important to advocate for your health and seek clarity on any misunderstandings regarding your condition.
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