MRI ELBOW JOINT

An MRI of the elbow joint is an advanced imaging technique which is a non-invasive procedure used to assess the injury and pathology of the elbow joint. An MRI produces high-definition images of the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues of the elbow. It detects injury, abnormality and degenerative changes using strong magnetic fields and radio waves and does not expose the patient to harmful radiation. 

What is MRI Elbow Joint? 

The elbow joint allows the forearm to perform flexion and extension movements in relation to the upper arm. MRI is used to create high definition pictures of the elbow joint and is capable of revealing soft tissue injuries, ligament tears, cartilage damage and other complex joint disorders which CT and X-rays cannot. 

Types of MRI Elbow Joint 

• Conventional MRI: Performing imaging of the elbow joint and its structures using specialized joint imaging equipment 
• Contrast-Enhanced MRI: Imaging of elbow joint with increase of visual perception of soft tissues, vascular structures, and other altered anatomical formations made of gadolinium 
• 3D MRI: 3D imaging of the elbow joint is done if there are complex situations requiring detailed view of the anatomy of the joint. 

Parameters Considered During MRI Elbow Joint

• Position of bone ends are to be aligned and cartilage covering bone ends in a joint is intact 
• Condition of tendon and ligament structures 
• Fractures, bony parts of lesions, and any abnormality of bones 
• Effusion (excess fluid collecting in the body) 
• Signs of infection, inflammation, or growths 

Reasons for Taking an MRI of the Elbow Joint

• Possible injuries to the ligaments (UCL tears in throwing athletes) 
• Assessment of tendon injuries (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow) 
• Joints diagnosis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis) 
• Detection of non-visible fractures that are not seen in x-rays 
• Monitoring post-surgical recovery 

When and Who Needs an MRI Elbow Joint? 

Indications: 

• Persistent and chronic elbow pain or stiffness 
• Tears of supranational coronoid or biceps tendon (UCL tear, biceps tendon rupture) 
• Arthritis or joint inflammation 
• Assessment after trauma – fracture, dislocation, or soft tissue injury 
• Tumours, cysts, or infections 

Patient Demographics: 

• Sports-related injuries: Athletes 
• Patients with unexplained swelling or pain around elbow region 
• Patients with previous history of surgery or disorder involving elbow joint 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Risk free, no radiation exposure 
• Enhance imaging of soft tissues and bones 
• This procedure aids in the early detection of bone disorders. 
• Planning for postoperative rehabilitation. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Elbow Joint

• Angular ligament tears (UCL, LCL, MCL) 
• Injuries to tendons (biceps, triceps and flexor tendons) 
• Osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis  
• Fractures and dislocation of the bone  
• Tumours or infectious disease of the joint 

Preparing for MRI Elbow Joint

• Take off any metal or electronic jewellery 
• Wear loose fitting clothes 
• Tell the technician if there are any implants/pregnancy within the body. 
• If plastic dye must be injected, then not eating for some time may be necessary. 

Pre-requisites 

• No allergies to dye (if an MR Angio is performed). 
• Claustrophobia treatment requires sedative pre medication. 

Best Time to Take the MRI Elbow Joint 

• Any time based on the doctor’s advice 
• Organized to prevent delays and guarantee presence 

Eligibility 

• Usually acceptable for all patients except those with incompatible metal devices and pacemakers 

Procedure for Taking an MRI Elbow Joint 

• The patient reclines on the MRI table while the elbow is placed in the scanner. 
• An elbow coil is placed to enhance the images further. 
• Images are created through magnetic fields and radio waves. 
• The duration of the procedure is between 30-60 minutes. 
• If necessary, contrast can be given. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• Patients must inform the radiologist about the pregnancy, renal ailments, or metal implants. 
• Remain motionless throughout the scan to better quality images.