A comparative wrist study was conducted in a total of 36 subjects: 20 normal volunteers and 16 patients with diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome. 1.5 Tesla MR was used with a cylindrical extremity coll. The authors reviewed the anatomy of the wrist in the normal subjects. The accuracy of MR diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome was assessed in comparison with EMG results and surgical findings. The authors conclude that MRI has proved to be reliable and useful in the diagnostic work up of carpal tunnel syndrome. Its main indication would be in cases of negative or doubtful EMG.