IMAGING OF THE ELBOW - AN UPDATE

The elbow is a complex joint that acts as a link between the shoulder and the hand, enhancing the flexibility of hand motion and transmittin g generated forces.(22) It is vulnerable to a variety of injuries as a result of acute traumatic events, or more often, chronic overuse.(9) Routine radiographs and computed tomography (CT) are excellent methods for evaluating the osseous structures and detecting fluid, calcificat ion, or ossification in and about the joint. MR Imaging allows for dir ect assessment of nonossified structures including muscles, tendons, l igaments, nerves, and cartilage and, as a result, is particularly usef ul for evaluation of elbow pain secondary to chronic overuse. MR imagi ng also has a major use in the treatment planning of bone and soft-tis sue neoplasms and is helpful in detecting osseous lesions, such as bon e contusions, occult fractures, and osteochondritis dissecans. The acc urate evaluation of the complex anatomy of the elbow requires optimiza tion of MR imaging, including imaging parameters and positioning. Addi tionally, familiarity with the normal anatomy and signal characteristi cs of structures of the elbow is essential in the detection of subtle abnormalities and early pathologic findings.