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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2004; 8(1): 5-16
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-823011
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Elbow

Hollis G. Potter1 , 2 , Stephanie T. Ho3 , David W. Altchek4
  • 1Division of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery
  • 2Professor of Radiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
  • 3Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery
  • 4Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY
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Publication History

Publication Date:
13 April 2004 (online)

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Despite being one of the more commonly injured joints in recreational and elite athletes, diagnosis of soft-tissue injuries of the elbow remains problematic. Although plain radiographs remain the initial mainstay for imaging of the elbow, the superior soft-tissue contrast and direct multiplanar capabilities of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has afforded the ability to more accurately diagnose the site and extent of soft-tissue pathology, including tendinous injuries and trauma to the static stabilizers. In addition, the ability of MR imaging to noninvasively assess the integrity of the articular cartilage provides for more comprehensive information that was previously unavailable and has prognostic significance in the athlete.

KEYWORDS

Elbow - sports injuries - magnetic resonance imaging

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Hollis G PotterM.D. 

Chief, Division of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery

535 East 70th Street

New York, NY 10021

Email: potterh@hss.edu

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