Elbow MR arthrography with traction.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of axial traction during MR arthrography (MRA) of the elbow joint on joint space widening, contrast dispersion between opposing cartilage surfaces and cartilage surface visibility.


METHODS
11 patients with elbow MRA with and without axial traction were prospectively studied. Two radiologists independently measured the elbow joint space width and semi-quantitatively graded contrast material dispersion between the opposing cartilage surfaces as well as the articular cartilage surface visibility before and after traction. The detection and visibility of articular cartilage defects were also compared before and after traction. Patients were instructed to report on pain or any other symptoms during elbow traction.


RESULTS
No patient reported discomfort, pain or any other symptoms related to traction on immediate and intermediate-term follow-up. Joint space width increased, more at the radiocapitellar joint space (Δ = 0.63 mm, p = 0.005) than at the ulnotrochlear joint space (Δ = 0.17 mm, p = 0.012), with contrast dispersion into the radiocapitellar joint and cartilage visibility of the radiocapitellar joint space significantly improving after traction (all p < 0.05). All of these parameters also improved at the ulnotrochlear joint, although this did not reach statistical significance. Traction improved the visibility of cartilage defects.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to evaluate the effect of traction on MRA of the elbow joint. This technique is safe and technically feasible. Traction MRA improves the cartilage surface visibility and cartilage defect visibility.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique is safe and technically feasible. Traction MRA improves cartilage surface visibility and cartilage defect visibility.
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Ryan K L
RK
Lee
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
James F
JF
Griffith
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Brian T Y
BT
Yuen
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Alex W H
AW
Ng
Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
David K W
DK
Yeung
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014143:Traction; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
D003287:Contrast Media