Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow.

Abstract

With the current popularity of racket and throwing sports, the number of individuals seeking medical care for elbow pain and dysfunction has increased rapidly. Before the development and implementation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiologic imaging examinations provided the treating physician limited information to determine the precise etiology of elbow disorders, because they usually involve soft-tissue structures. With MRI, it is now possible to accurately assess the integrity of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the elbow, and to detect pathologic changes in these tissues secondary to acute macrotrauma or chronic microtrauma, e.g., overuse injuries. By defining the nature and extent of these abnormalities, the choice of the appropriate therapeutic regimen is facilitated. With MRI, it is also now possible to noninvasively evaluate the natural history of these soft-tissue disorders and to determine the effects of different therapeutic interventions.