MR Imaging in Sports Medicine: The Elbow

ABSTRACT

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides clinically useful information in patients with traumatic and degenerative disorders of the elbow. The sequelae of medial traction and lateral compression from valgus stress includes medial collateral ligament injury, common flexor tendon pathology, medial traction spurs, ulnar neuropathy, osteochondritis dissecans, and loose bodies. These conditions, as well as lateral collateral ligament injury and lateral epicondylitis, may be characterized with MR imaging. Post-traumatic osseous abnormalities well seen by MRI include radiographically occult fractures, stress fractures, bone contusions, and apophyseal avulsions. MRI can also be used to assess cartilaginous extension of fractures in children. Degeneration and tearing of the biceps and triceps tendons can be diagnosed and characterized. MRI can also provide additional information regarding entrapment neuropathies about the elbow. MRI is most useful perhaps when patients have not responded to conservative therapy and therefore surgery as well as additional diagnoses are being considered.

KEYWORDS

Elbow, injuries - elbow, MR - ligaments, injuries