The use of MRI scanning for investigating soft-tissue abnormalities in the elbow

It is well known that the elbow is one of the most difficult joints to be examined in MR, because of its position in relation to the body during the examination. Moreover, there is relatively little information about the elbow, even less in its soft tissues abnormalities, in the literature in comparison to other joints. This article describes the spectrum of MR findings soft tissues abnormalities of the elbow, giving an analysis of injuries to the elbow ranging from inflammation to rupture to masses, and the role of MR in post-surgical follow-up. It is demonstrated that MR provides an excellent alternative to other imaging techniques that would be of interest to orthopedic surgeons. The value of MRI to accurately determine the nature and extent of the pathologic changes in ligaments, tendons and muscles structures of the elbow joint is presented in the following discussion.