Heterotopic calcification and tears of the ulnar collateral ligament: radiographic and MR imaging findings.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to describe the radiographic and MR imaging appearance of heterotopic calcification in the ulnar collateral ligament.


METHODS
Retrospective radiographic review of 710 patients examined for elbow pain yielded 42 individuals (age range, 16-38 years) with heterotopic calcification in the ulnar collateral ligament. Radiographic and MR imaging findings were compared with surgical findings.


RESULTS
Fifty-one heterotopic calcifications were identified in 42 patients; nine patients had two sites of heterotopic calcification. Average initial calcification size in the craniocaudal dimension was 4 mm (range, 1-12 mm) and in the transverse dimension was 1 mm (range, 1-4 mm). Five of 42 patients had enlargement of the calcification on follow-up radiography. The largest heterotopic calcification that was not visualized on MR imaging measured 5 x 4 mm in craniocaudal and transverse dimensions. Of 34 patients with heterotopic calcification who underwent surgery, 26 patients (76%) had either partial or complete tears of the ulnar collateral ligament.


CONCLUSIONS
Heterotopic calcification in the ulnar collateral ligament may be associated with partial or complete tears. The MR imaging detection of heterotopic calcification is less sensitive than that of radiography of the elbow.
Mulligan
S A
SA
Department of Radiology, Health South Medical Center, 1201 11th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 32505, USA.
Schwartz
M L
ML
Broussard
M F
MF
Andrews
J R
JR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D000092464:Elbow Injuries