The pain may also be caused by overuse due to hobbies, sports, jobs, or everyday chores that require arm movements(16). Sometimes the ligaments, tendons, bones, or muscles attached to the elbow become inflamed, causing pain(15). This procedure may provide a fast identification of abnormalities in the bones, joints, and other parts of the elbow(14). The MRI examination of the elbow must include images of the radial and ulnar ligaments, synovium (the soft tissue that lines the tendons and joints), bursae (a fluid-filled sac lining the synovial membrane), and nerves(13). MRI scan is also useful in the diagnosis of tumors, spinal cord disorders, aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury(12). MRI images are typically used to examine shoulder and knee injuries(11). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Īn MRI scan provides a non-invasive examination of the internal organs and structures using magnetic fields and computer-generated radio waves to capture a three-dimensional anatomical image(8-9).Ĭompared to computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays, MRI scans present more detailed images of the spinal column, the brain, nerves, ligaments, and tendons(10). The elbow’s essential tendons attach to the biceps (muscle in front of the arm) and triceps (muscle at the back of the arm) of the forelimb.Īll the nerves that travel from the shoulder across the elbow signal the muscles to work and relay sensations, like temperature, touch, and pain(7). Tendons connect these bones to the muscle of the arm(6). These bones are connected by medial collateral (connective tissue inside the elbow) and lateral collateral (connective tissue outside the elbow) ligaments(5). The ulna (long bone of the forearm), humerus (long bone of the arm from the shoulder), and radius (two large bones of the forearm) are the three bones that make up the elbow(4). The elbow is one of the hinge-type synovial joints in the body or the joints that connect two or more bones and can be flexed or extended(3). Joint disorders and injuries, such as fractures, sprains, arthritis, dislocation, and bursitis (bone cushion disorder), are diagnosed using MRI scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the procedures used in examining the joints(1).Ĭommon elbow afflictions are associated with sports injuries(2). Year-round play imparts significant risk for progression of MRI pathology and physical examination abnormalities.īaseball elbow imaging, magnetic resonance pediatric sports medicine.This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on elbow MRI. 05).ĭominant elbow MRI abnormalities are common in competitive Little League Baseball players. Additionally, differences were noted in the dominant arm's internal and external rotation in those that continued to play baseball ( P <. At the 3-year follow-up, 7 players (27%) reported having throwing elbow pain and 3 had required casting. 027) and positive MRI findings at 3 years ( P =. Year-round play was a significant predictor of tenderness to elbow palpation ( P =. 05), although 6 of the 14 players (43%) with previously normal MRI developed new pathology. Players with postseason MRI pathology at the beginning of the study were more likely to have MRI pathology at the 3-year follow-up than players with previously normal postseason MRI ( P <.
Eighty percent (12/15 players) of MRI findings were new or progressive lesions. At the completion of the study, 15 players (58%) had dominant arm MRI pathology. Imaging was read by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist and compared with prior MR images to assess for progression or resolution of previously identified pathology.Īll 26 players who participated in the previous single-season study returned for a 3-year assessment. Players underwent repeat bilateral elbow MRI, physical examination, and detailed assessment of throwing history, playing status, and arm pain.
All players had preseason and postseason bilateral elbow MRI performed 3 years before this study.
To characterize the natural history of bilateral elbow MRI findings in a 3-year longitudinal study and to correlate abnormalities with prior MRI findings, throwing history, playing status, and physical examination.Ī prospective study of Little League players aged 12 to 15 years was performed. The natural history of these findings and risk factors for progression have not been reported. Prior studies have revealed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of elbow pathology in single-season evaluation of competitive youth baseball players.
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