MR of the elbow joint
Important and precise information on the elbow joint is provided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is offered, among others, by the PP DIAGNOSTYKA medical center in Poznan. Many of the abnormalities observed and pain experienced in connection with them occur as a consequence of trauma. They are often faced by patients who practice sports such as tennis, golf or baseball, as well as by people whose work requires repetitive, monotonous hand movements.
MRI of the elbow joint – indications
Pain, swelling, restriction of mobility or numbness may be considered by a doctor as symptoms that require the use of a modern diagnostic test such as an MRI of the elbow joint. It allows detection and evaluation of many injuries and conditions, such as:
- degenerative disease,
- The so-called tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow,
- compression neuropathies,
- tendon and ligament damage,
- Synovitis and soft tissue inflammation,
- Neoplastic lesions – benign and malignant.
How does an MRI of the elbow joint proceed?
During a non-invasive and painless examination such as an MRI of the elbow joint, the patient is in a supine position usually on the stomach or on the side, with the arm extended above the head. Immobility must be maintained. Images are acquired in three planes: axial, frontal and sagittal.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow – application in diagnosis
Allowing detailed visualization of various types of pathological lesions of the elbow, MRI of the elbow also makes it possible to indicate their precise location and determine their advancement in the adjacent tissues. It can also be extremely helpful in planning surgical treatment and checking its effectiveness. Sometimes intravenous administration of a contrast agent is required – the decision is up to the radiologist supervising the examination.