Throwing injury of the elbow: Assessment with gradient three- dimensional,Fourier transform gradient-echo and short tau inversion recovery images

We assessed MR findings of throwing injuries occurring in the elbow joint u sing three-dimensional Fourier transform (3DFT) and short tan inversion rec overy (STIR) images, MR images of 63 elbows in 63 male patients aged from 1 0 to 32 years (mean age, 15 years 11 months) suffering from throwing injury were visually analyzed, The sequences used for the study were axial 3DFT a nd coronal STIR. Full-thickness tears were demonstrated in 34 elbows and un dersurface tears of the ulnar collateral ligament [UCL] were demonstrated h n five elbows, Thirty loose bodies were detected in 14 elbows, Cartilaginou s damage due to osteochondral injury was depicted in 21 elbows, Multiplanar reformatted images using the 3DFT data set were useful for assessing torn UCLs, intraarticular loose bodies, and capitellar fragments. Full-thickness tears and undersurface tears of the UCL could be differentiated with STIR images. 3DFT and STIR sequences depict various aspects of throwing injuries occurring in the elbow.