Magnetic Resonance Arthrography of the Wrist and Elbow

Magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography of the wrist and elbow is useful for detecting a variety of intra-articular pathologies. MR dictations should address whether intrinsic ligament tears of the wrist are partial-thickness or full-thickness, and involve the dorsal, membranous, and/or volar components of the ligaments. With regard to elbow soft tissue pathology, partial-thickness tears of the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament in overhead-throwing athletes are well evaluated with MR arthrography. MR arthrography also is helpful in staging osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, caused by repetitive valgus impaction injury in adolescent or young adult baseball pitchers.