MRI is sensitive to changes in the structure of the cartilage resulting from aging or injury making it particularly useful in evaluating the elbow joint.
It is also used to visualise injuries of the soft tissue surrounding the joint itself. Common pathologies of the elbow joint manifest with the presence of edema, tendon tears, calcifications and/or bursitis on the MRI scan.
MRI is also a reliable technique to prove the presence of an undisplaced fracture sometimes not seen on plain x-ray.
Indications for an Elbow MRI are often related to new or old injuries:
- Sport injuries (Fractures, dislocations, ligament and tendon tears/ruptures)
- Tendonitis/Tendinosis (Tennis Elbow / Golfers Elbow)
- Pain in elbow or forearm (acute or chronic)
- Pain on movement
- Loss of grip strength
- Degenerative changes
- Bursitis (olecranon)
- Arthritis
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye