sagittal
Sagittal planning
- Align parallel to the metacarpals and phalanges.
- Align orthogonally.
- FOV covers from the radioulnar joint to the fingertips.
Hand sagittal planning
sagittalSource slide: 83. Full-slide planning image from HAND / Sagittal.
MSK protocol
Hand MRI
Hand MRI for infection, neoplasm, avascular necrosis, and fracture. Includes coronal T2 FS DIXON and an optional 3D DESS sequence for cartilage assessment. Covers from the radioulnar joint to the fingertips in all three planes. Hand images are hung in the up position for review.
mskhandwristfingerswithout contrast
For protocol planning and internal reference only. Follow institutional MRI safety screening, contrast, dosage, and GFR policies.
Decision supportContrast GuidanceDefault contrast approach and conditional indications.
No routine contrast guidance listed for this noncontrast protocol.
Acquisition listSequencesRequired and conditional series for the exam.
| Sequence | Plane | Phase | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Localizer Axial | axial | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Localizer 3 Plane | Any | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Coronal T2 FS DIXON | coronal | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Coronal T1 | coronal | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Sagittal T2 FS | sagittal | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Sagittal T1 | sagittal | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Axial PD FS | axial | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Axial T1 | axial | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Coronal 3D DESS | coronal | noncontrast | Conditional | Optional cartilage sequence. |
| Axial T1 FS Pre | axial | precontrast | Conditional | - |
| Coronal T1 FS Pre | coronal | precontrast | Conditional | - |
| Inject | Any | conditional | Conditional | - |
| Axial T1 FS +C | axial | postcontrast | Conditional | - |
| Coronal T1 FS +C | coronal | postcontrast | Conditional | - |
PositioningSlice PlanningPlane-specific planning instructions and guide images for technologists.
axial
Axial planning
- Align parallel to the metacarpals and phalanges.
- FOV covers the entire hand from the radioulnar joint to the fingertips.
Hand axial planning
axialSource slide: 84. Full-slide planning image from HAND / Axial.
coronal
Coronal planning
- Align parallel to the metacarpals and phalanges.
- Align orthogonally.
- FOV covers from the radioulnar joint to the fingertips.
Hand coronal planning
coronalSource slide: 82. Full-slide planning image from HAND CENTER TO PIP OF THIRD DIGIT / Coronal.
Anatomic extentCoverage RulesMinimum coverage expectations and alignment rules.
General
Field of view (all planes)
Radioulnar joint to the fingertips. Entire hand.
TechniqueSuggested Technique SpecificationsPlane-level vendor-neutral guidance from the source protocol.
sagittal
- slice thickness
- <= 3.0 mm
- gap
- <= 1.0 mm
axial
- slice thickness
- <= 3.0 mm
- gap
- <= 1.0 mm
coronal
- slice thickness
- <= 3.0 mm
- gap
- <= 1.0 mm
Conditional workflowSpecial SituationsAdjustments for contrast, hardware, and protocol-specific conditions.
Surgical hardware present
- Add Coronal STIR sequence.
- Add Sagittal STIR sequence.
- Add Axial STIR sequence.
Future detailAdvancedSource-backed scanner, vendor, and site-specific notes when available.
Advanced technical details, scanner variants, and planning guide assets can appear here as protocol data expands.