Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow. Part I: Normal anatomy, imaging technique, and osseous abnormalities

Abstract

Part I of this comprehensive review on magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow discusses normal elbow anatomy and the technical factors involved in obtaining high-quality magnetic resonance images of the elbow. Part I also discusses the role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating patients with osseous abnormalities of the elbow. With proper patient positioning and imaging technique, magnetic resonance imaging can yield high-quality multiplanar images which are useful in evaluating the osseous structures of the elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect early osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum and can be used to evaluate the size, location, stability, and viability of the osteochondritis dissecans fragment. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect early stress injury to the proximal ulna in athletes. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect radiographically occult fractures of the elbow in both children and adults. Magnetic resonance imaging is also useful in children to further evaluate elbow fractures which are detected on plain-film radiographs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Elbow: Update on Current Techniques and Indications

“…Enhancement of a fragment after intravenous gadolinium contrast has been administered suggests adequate blood supply and fragment viability. 6,7 Loose bodies. Although either plain radiographs or computed tomography may detect the presence of osseous loose bodies in the elbow joint, MRI is helpful for detecting intra-articular cartilaginous or osteocartilaginous loose bodies.…”

“…Magnetic resonance imaging also may be useful in the evaluation of pediatric physeal injuries, especially in younger children with poorly visualized ossification centers. 6 Ligamentous Injuries Medial collateral ligament. Full-thickness tears of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament are detected accurately by MRI.…”

“…A proton-density sequence combines characteristics of T1-and T2-weighted images. 6 Table 1 presents the signal characteristics of relevant tissues on several commonly used pulse sequences. Axial, coronal, and sagittal plane images are obtained routinely.…”

Dirseğin Patolojik Değişiklikleri

“…Medyal kollateral bağ kompleksi üç bant şeklinde izlenir: Anteriyor ve posteriyor bant ile bu iki yapı arasında yer alan transvers seyirli intermediate bant [2]. Koronal kesitlerde anteriyor bant mediyal epikondilden koronoid çıkıntının süblim tüberkülüne uzanan lineer düşük-sinyalli bir yapı olarak izlenirken, posteriyor bant medyal epikondilin posteriyoru ile olekranonun medyal köşesi arasında uzanır.…”

“…Lateral kompartman Dirsek lateral kas grubuna ait ekstensor karpi radiyalis brevis (EKRB), ekstensor dijitorum komünis (EDK), ekstensor dijiti minimi (EDM) ve ekstensor karpi ulnaris (EKU) kasları dirsek düzeyinde tek bir kitle olarak izlenir ve OET'yi oluşturur [2]. Ekstensor karpi radiyalis brevis, OET'nin en derin ve anteri-yor komponentidir.…”