Radiologist Questions Radiologist

Will an x-ray show carpal tunnel?

I am a 17 year old female. I want to know if an x-ray will show carpal tunnel?

4 Answers

Some doctors will recommend an X-ray of the wrist just to exclude other causes of wrist pain, i.e. arthritis or a fracture. However, X-rays are NOT helpful in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.
No, MRI will.
No, an MRI will.
An X-ray only shows some of the structures that form the carpal tunnel and will not show carpal tunnel syndrome. One needs a combination of a thorough examination and other tests for that.

Jamal Bokhari, MD