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The postoperative elbow on MRI: recognizing normal findings and complications after tendon and ligament surgery
I R B Godoy1, T C Rodrigues2, A Skaf2
1Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração (HCor), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; ALTA Diagnostic Center (DASA Group), São Paulo, Brazil.
Aim:
To describe the role of postoperative elbow MRI in assessing surgically treated joint, osseous, tendon/ligament, and nerve structures, emphasizing expected postoperative findings that help radiologists identify complications and optimize care.
Materials And Methods:
This educational review summarizes typical postoperative MRI appearances and potential complications after common elbow procedures, including common extensor and flexor-pronator debridement/repair, biceps and triceps tendon repairs, ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, and ulnar nerve decompression or transposition performed for neuritis or injury.
Results:
MRI enables comprehensive evaluation of the elbow joint, bone, and soft tissues after surgery, including the integrity of repaired tendons and reconstructed ligaments, postoperative changes at surgical sites, and the postoperative course of the ulnar nerve. Familiarity with expected MRI findings supports detection of complications such as repair failure, recurrent tearing, abnormal scarring, and postoperative neuropathic changes.
Conclusion:
Postoperative elbow MRI is central to imaging follow-up after common tendon, ligament, and nerve procedures. Knowledge of normal postoperative MRI appearances improves recognition of complications and can enhance clinical decision-making and patient care.
