Radiographic/MR Imaging Correlation of the Elbow

This article covers the use of radiographs and MR imaging for diagnosing elbow disorders. It concentrates on these techniques, but other imaging techniques including computed tomography, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine are discussed when clinically important. The article covers the use of imaging for specific symptoms including lateral, medial, anterior, posterior and generalized elbow pain, focal swelling, restriction of movement, locking, and neurologic symptoms. Radiographs have been the mainstay of initial imaging of the elbow, while ultrasound examination is often used for soft tissue disease. MR imaging has the advantage over radiographs and ultrasound in accurately examining bone and soft tissue together.