ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY IN THE THROWING ATHLETE - EVALUATIONWITH SALINE-ENHANCED MR ARTHROGRAPHY

PURPOSE: To determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography of the elbow can demonstrate precisely an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) abnormality in the throwing athlete. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty col lege-level and professional throwing athletes (age range, 18-40 years) underwent saline-enhanced MR arthrography of their injured elbows. MR findings were compared with the surgical findings. RESULTS: Saline-en hanced MR arthrography was positive in 24 of 26 individuals with UCL t ear confirmed at the time of surgery. Eighteen (95%) of 19 complete UC L tears and six (86%) of seven partial UCL tears were diagnosed with M R arthrography. Two false-negative findings and no false-positive find ings were obtained. CONCLUSION: Saline-enhanced MR arthrography of the elbow is a new application of a previously described technique used i n the shoulder. It is useful for demonstration of subtle and gross UCL abnormalities in the throwing athlete.