Case studies in the diagnosis of upper extremity pain using magnetic resonance imaging

The diagnosis of upper extremity pain can be a daunting task for the examining physician. The differential diagnosis for pain at each level in the upper extremity is often extensive and diverse. Quite frequently, the clinical signs and symptoms of multiple pathologic conditions are overlapping and nonspecific. The decision to treat conservatively or with surgery often depends on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. MRI's ability to produce multiplanar images with excellent soft tissue contrast has made it an indispensable tool for diagnosis and treatment planning in patients with upper extremity pain. In most instances, MR imaging provides information that all other modalities cannot. This is all possible due to an incredible imaging device that creates magnificent images painlessly and with no known detrimental biological side effects. This article demonstrates only a small number of the possible causes of upper extremity pain that can be diagnosed with MR imaging. It is comforting to know that the vast majority of pathology causing pain in the upper extremity can be visualized with MRI scanning.