How to Report: Elbow MRI

Abstract

The elbow is the least common of the main joints examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thus radiologists may be less familiar with writing these reports. This article addresses the main pathologies encountered in and around the elbow, emphasizing the specific features that need reporting and providing examples of terminology to use when describing these abnormalities.

Keywords

MRI - elbow - epicondylitis - osteoarthritis - biceps

Publication History

Article published online:
03 December 2021

• References

• 1 Anderson MW, Chung CB. Elbow imaging with an emphasis on MRI. In: Hodler J, Kubik-Huch RA, von Schulthess GK. eds. Musculoskeletal Diseases 2021–2024: Diagnostic Imaging. Cham, Switzerland: Springer; 2021
• 2 Cha YK, Kim SJ, Park NH, Kim JY, Kim JH, Park JY. Magnetic resonance imaging of patients with lateral epicondylitis: relationship between pain and severity of imaging features in elbow joints. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2019; 53 (05) 366-371
• 3 Magee T. Accuracy of 3-T MR arthrography versus conventional 3-T MRI of elbow tendons and ligaments compared with surgery. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2015; 204 (01) W70–W75
• 4 Bae KJ, Park C, Ahn JM, Kang Y, Gong HS. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of patients with clinically diagnosed medial epicondylitis. Skeletal Radiol 2021; 50 (08) 1629-1636
• 5 Zoner CS, Buck FM, Cardoso FN. et al. Detailed MRI-anatomic study of the lateral epicondyle of the elbow and its tendinous and ligamentous attachments in cadavers. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2010; 195 (03) 629-636
• 6 Bredella MA, Tirman PF, Fritz RC, Feller JF, Wischer TK, Genant HK. MR imaging findings of lateral ulnar collateral ligament abnormalities in patients with lateral epicondylitis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1999; 173 (05) 1379-1382
• 7 Pasternack I, Tuovinen EM, Lohman M, Vehmas T, Malmivaara A. MR findings in humeral epicondylitis. A systematic review. Acta Radiol 2001; 42 (05) 434-440
• 8 Kijowski R, De Smet AA. Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with medial epicondylitis. Skeletal Radiol 2005; 34 (04) 196-202
• 9 Sitt JC, Griffith JF, Lai FM. et al. Ultrasound-guided synovial Tru-Cut biopsy: indications, technique, and outcome in 111 cases. Eur Radiol 2017; 27 (05) 2002-2010
• 10 McKee TC, Belair JA, Sobol K, Brown SA, Abraham J, Morrison W. Efficacy of image-guided synovial biopsy. Skeletal Radiol 2020; 49 (06) 921-928
• 11 Acosta Batlle J, Cerezal L, Márquez MV. et al. MRI of the normal elbow and common pathologic conditions. Radiographics 2020; 40 (02) 468-469
• 12 Rhodes NG, Howe BM, Frick MA, Moran SL. MR imaging of the postsurgical cubital tunnel: an imaging review of the cubital tunnel, cubital tunnel syndrome, and associated surgical techniques. Skeletal Radiol 2019; 48 (10) 1541-1554
• 13 Bäumer P, Dombert T, Staub F. et al. Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: MR neurography—nerve T2 signal increase and caliber. Radiology 2011; 260 (01) 199-206
• 14 Terayama Y, Uchiyama S, Ueda K. et al. Optimal measurement level and ulnar nerve cross-sectional area cutoff threshold for identifying ulnar neuropathy at the elbow by MRI and ultrasonography. J Hand Surg Am 2018; 43 (06) 529-536
• 15 Husarik DB, Saupe N, Pfirrmann CW, Jost B, Hodler J, Zanetti M. Elbow nerves: MR findings in 60 asymptomatic subjects—normal anatomy, variants, and pitfalls. Radiology 2009; 252 (01) 148-156
• 16 Dirim B, Brouha SS, Pretterklieber ML. et al. Terminal bifurcation of the biceps brachii muscle and tendon: anatomic considerations and clinical implications. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2008; 191 (06) W248-W255
• 17 Frank RM, Cotter EJ, Strauss EJ, Jazrawi LM, Romeo AA. Management of biceps tendon pathology: from the glenoid to the radial tuberosity. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2018; 26 (04) e77-e89
• 18 Nguyen ML, Rosenthal J, Karas S. et al. A comprehensive review of the normal, abnormal, and post-operative MRI appearance of the distal biceps brachii. Skeletal Radiol 2020; 49 (11) 1695-1707
• 19 Tiegs-Heiden CA, Frick MA, Johnson MP, Collins MS. Utility of the FABS MRI sequence in the evaluation of distal biceps pathology. Skeletal Radiol 2021; 50 (05) 895-902
• 20 Giuffrè BM, Moss MJ. Optimal positioning for MRI of the distal biceps brachii tendon: flexed abducted supinated view. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2004; 182 (04) 944-946
• 21 Ecker J, Ebert JR, Taheri A, Mathew RK, Chee DY, Breidahl W. The existence of cords in olecranon bursae. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2015; 24 (10) e292-e295
• 22 Floemer F, Morrison WB, Bongartz G, Ledermann HP. MRI characteristics of olecranon bursitis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2004; 183 (01) 29-34