MR IMAGINING OF THE ADULT ELBOW

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can provide important diagnostic infor mation in the evaluation of the adult elbow. Optimal imaging technique should include the use of proper positioning, surface coils, and appr opriate sequences and imaging planes as indicated by the suspected abn ormalities. A familiarity with the anatomy of the normal elbow is cruc ial to identifying pathologic entities correctly and avoiding diagnost ic pitfalls. Disruption of the collateral Ligaments can best be demons trated a with thin-section coronal gradient-echo MR images. Injuries t o the flexor and extensor muscle groups, biceps muscles, and triceps m uscles require T2-weighted or short-inversion-time inversion recovery (STIR) MR images in the long and short axes of the affected muscle. Th e evaluation of osteochondral lesions and intraarticular bodies is opt imized with T1-weighted and STIR MR images. Synovial processes usually necessitate the intravenous administration of gadopentetate dimeglumi ne to distinguish joint fluid from pannus, The contents of the cubital tunnel are best visualized on axial T1-weighted and STIR MR images. M asses arising in or near the elbow should be imaged with multiple sequ ences in at least two planes, and involvement of adjacent vital struct ures should be carefully evaluated.