Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow.
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.
Potter
Hollis G
HG
Division of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA. potterh@hss.edu
Ho
Stephanie T
ST
Altchek
David W
DW
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D004550:Elbow / Q000473:pathology; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D000092464:Elbow Injuries