MRI ELBOW JOINT
Also Known As
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
What is an MRI Elbow Joint scan?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the elbow joint uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create layered, 3-D pictures of the inside of your arm. No needles, no radiation—just detailed images that show problems X-rays often miss.
List of Parameters
- Ligament integrity – Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL), Radial Collateral Ligament (RCL)
- Tendon condition – biceps anchor, triceps insertion, common extensor & flexor tendons
- Cartilage and bone marrow – early arthritis, bone bruises, oedema
- Joint effusion & synovitis – fluid amount and inflammatory changes
Why This Test
Persistent elbow pain or swelling
Suspected ligament or tendon tear
Post-trauma evaluation after a fall or RTA
Sports injury assessment—tennis, cricket, badminton, weight-lifting
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- High-resolution soft-tissue detail – 3-Tesla magnet shows fibres as thin as 1 mm
- Zero radiation – safe for children and repeated follow-ups
- Early detection – catch injuries before they become chronic
- Guides treatment planning – decide between rest, physiotherapy, injection, or surgery
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Elbow Joint
- UCL tear (Tommy John injury)
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow (tendinopathy)
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
- Fractures & bone bruises not visible on X-ray
Preparing for test
Pre-requisites
- Remove watches, rings, belts with metal.
- Fill out a safety form about implants, pacemakers, or prior surgeries.
Best time to take the scan
Book as soon as your orthopaedic doctor recommends—no fasting needed unless contrast is planned.
Eligibility
- All ages from 3 months upward.
- Pregnant? Tell us—scans in the first trimester are avoided unless urgent.
Procedure for taking the scan
- Change into cotton scrubs.
- Lie face-down; elbow rests in a cushioned coil.
- Stay still for 30–45 min; you’ll hear loud knocking—earphones with music provided.
Caution before the test
- Inform about claustrophobia, contrast allergy, or kidney issues.
Test Results
Elbow MRI – Key Findings and Clinical Significance
| Finding / Observation | Example Description in Report | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Full-thickness UCL tear | Ligament fibre discontinuity near the humerus | May need reconstruction in throwing athletes |
| Bone marrow oedema | Bright signal in the capitellum | Early OCD or stress reaction—rest advised |
| Common Extensor Tendon Insertion | Moderate tendinosis of the common extensor origin with a small interstitial tear. | Suggests lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) with degenerative tendon changes and a small tear. Often causes pain with gripping or wrist extension. |
| Articular Cartilage (e.g., Capitellum) | Focal, full-thickness cartilage defect measuring 8 mm on the capitellum with subchondral edema. | Full-thickness cartilage loss may lead to joint pain, mechanical symptoms, or early osteoarthritis; may require orthopedic evaluation. |
| Joint effusion | Fluid >2 mm in the coronoid fossa | Possible synovitis or loose body |
| Bone Marrow (e.g., Radial Head) | Bone marrow edema within the radial head, suspicious for an occult fracture. | Suggests trauma-related injury (such as a non-displaced fracture or bone bruise), even if X-rays appear normal. |
| Joint Fluid | Large joint effusion distending the elbow joint capsule. Mild synovial thickening. | Presence of excess fluid and mild inflammation; may indicate trauma, infection, synovitis, or arthritis. |
| Ulnar Nerve (Cubital Tunnel) | Ulnar nerve appears thickened and shows increased T2 signal as it passes through the cubital tunnel. | Sign of cubital tunnel syndrome, a compression neuropathy; may cause numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers. |
| Soft Tissue Mass | A 2 cm well-circumscribed, multilobulated T2 hyperintense cystic lesion near the radial head—likely ganglion cyst. | A benign, fluid-filled cyst often arising from joint or tendon sheath. May cause local swelling or discomfort, occasionally compresses nearby structures. |
| Olecranon Bursa | Distension of the olecranon bursa with fluid and surrounding soft tissue edema. | Consistent with olecranon bursitis; commonly due to trauma, repetitive pressure, or inflammation. |
Risks & Limitations
- MRI is safe for most people, but tell us about pacemakers, cochlear implants, or metal fragments.
- Claustrophobic? Ask for our wide-bore scanner or mild sedation options.
- Very large tattoos or certain implants can create artefacts—our technologist reviews every case beforehand.
FAQs
Is the scan painful?
No. You only feel the table move; there are no needles unless contrast is used.
How long does it take?
30–45 minutes total appointment time, including positioning.
Can I eat before the scan?
Yes, eat normally. If contrast is planned, light meals are fine.
When will I get the report?
Digital report and CD within 6 hours; hard copy on request.
Is MRI safe for children?
Absolutely—no radiation, and we have paediatric coils for crisp images in tiny elbows.
What is the approximate cost of an elbow MRI?
The cost of an elbow MRI can vary significantly based on several factors, including your geographic location, the specific facility (hospital vs. outpatient imaging center), whether contrast material is used, and your health insurance coverage (deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance).
At Cadabams Diagnostics, we strive to provide transparent pricing. To get an accurate estimate for your MRI Elbow Joint scan, it is best to:
- Contact Cadabams Diagnostics directly. Our billing department can provide you with information based on your specific scan requirements.
- Check with your health insurance provider to understand your coverage, any pre-authorization requirements, and your out-of-pocket responsibilities for an MRI Elbow Joint scan.