Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow. Part I: Normal anatomy, imaging technique, and osseous abnormalities

• Published in: Skeletal radiology Vol. 33; no. 12; pp. 685 - 697
• Main Authors: KIJOWSKI, Richard, TUITE, Michael, SANFORD, Matthew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.12.2004; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Cumulative Trauma Disorders - diagnosis; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Elbow Joint - anatomy & histology; Elbow Joint - injuries; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Medical sciences; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Osteochondritis Dissecans - diagnosis; Vascular bone diseases; Plain film; Size; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Fracture; Review; Anomaly; Structure; Elbow; Human; Imaging technique; Stability; Radiodiagnosis; Osteochondritis dissecans; Elbow anatomy; Use; Anatomy; Normal; Trauma; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; Image quality; Magnetic resonance imaging; Medical imagery; Early; Technique; Patient position; Bibliographic review
• ISSN: 0364-2348; 1432-2161
• DOI: 10.1007/s00256-004-0853-z

Part I of this comprehensive review on magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow discusses normal elbow anatomy and the technical factors involved in obtaining high-quality magnetic resonance images of the elbow. Part I also discusses the role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating patients with osseous abnormalities of the elbow. With proper patient positioning and imaging technique, magnetic resonance imaging can yield high-quality multiplanar images which are useful in evaluating the osseous structures of the elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect early osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum and can be used to evaluate the size, location, stability, and viability of the osteochondritis dissecans fragment. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect early stress injury to the proximal ulna in athletes. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect radiographically occult fractures of the elbow in both children and adults. Magnetic resonance imaging is also useful in children to further evaluate elbow fractures which are detected on plain-film radiographs.