Carrying out magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow joint

17.11.2017

Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI of the elbow joint is a type of modern method of visualizing joint structures in order to identify pathologies of soft or bone tissue.

The elbow joint can be subject to injury and wear due to constant stress; MRI diagnostics can determine the presence of damage not only to this part of the body, but also to those located near the nerve columns or blood vessels.

Let's consider how the examination is carried out, whether there are special preparation requirements, as well as what indications and contraindications should be taken into account.

Indications for diagnostics

Most often, the doctor prescribes an MRI of the elbow or an MRI of the shoulder joint if the results of other methods are inaccurate or insufficiently informative, as well as in the following cases:

• fracture or suspected fracture of bone tissue;
• osteomyelitis – infectious lesion of bone tissue;
• persistent pain in the wrist or elbow that cannot be relieved;
• temperature accompanying pain in the bones;
• negative CT or X-ray results;
• swelling, redness, or mass in the elbow or wrist;
• decreased mobility;
• Magnetic resonance imaging is indicated if there is a history of cancer.

When and to whom is this research method contraindicated?

The main contraindication is the presence of metal elements in the body. These could be vascular clips or insulin pumps, hearing aids, cardiac stimulators (this is an absolute contraindication, because

a pacemaker in a strong magnetic field may fail, resulting in serious harm to the patient's health or death), dental or bone prostheses, implants or pins.

Other factors or situations may also be a contraindication to the diagnostic test in question.

• first trimester of pregnancy;
• history of claustrophobia;
• history of hyperkinesis;
• patient weight exceeding 120 kg (the use of a closed tomograph is excluded, open types of equipment are acceptable);
• lactation period (it is enough to interrupt breastfeeding for a few days);
• history of renal failure.

What does an MRI of the elbow joint show?

The MRI technique of the elbow joint allows for timely detection of dystrophic pathologies and inflammatory processes in chondropathy or arthrosis. Neoplasms and consequences of falls and injuries are diagnosed as accurately as possible.

In the field of orthopedics and traumatology, this method allows you to obtain maximum reliable information about the pathological conditions of the elbow joint.

MRI also allows you to determine how effective drug treatment is and how the body recovers after surgery. Tomograph images are often needed to confirm the results of x-rays or other diagnostic studies.

Preparing for a diagnostic examination

Before undergoing an MRI, the patient must remove restrictive clothing and metal elements. In some cases, disposable underwear is used.

To examine the elbow joint, there is no need to restrict your diet before the procedure unless contrast is administered.

When using a contrast agent, you should refrain from eating a couple of hours before the examination to prevent side effects such as nausea or vomiting.

Be sure to tell the radiologist if you have a history of illness or allergic reactions.

It is worth taking mild sedatives if the patient has minor signs of claustrophobia, and also examine the child if necessary. Before entering the equipment room, you need to get rid of the following items:

• glasses, pocket knives or pens;
• metal dentures, if they are removable;
• metal objects;
• Jewelry.

How they do it and how the procedure goes

To perform an MRI of the elbow joint, an open or closed tomograph is used. Thanks to a closed MRI machine, it is possible to obtain more accurate results and a clear image, but if you have claustrophobia, you should give preference to an open tomograph. Scanning in a closed device occurs as follows.

1. Placing the patient on a special table, using bolsters and belts to secure moving limbs and head.
2. Injection of contrast agent if necessary.
3. Placing a mobile table in the tomograph tunnel.
4. The rings rotate directly during operation of the device; the device can make noticeable noise, so you can use earplugs.
5. The camera has a microphone that is used to communicate with a medical specialist located in an adjacent room. The patient will receive the necessary instructions from the radiologist during the procedure, depending on the images received on the screen.
6. The duration of the procedure does not exceed 30 minutes, but when using a contrast agent, the examination time can be doubled.
7. Within an hour after the diagnosis, the results will be available and deciphered by a specialist.

Applying Contrast

The technique for performing MRI with contrast is more complex, therefore it is more expensive and takes more time. The need to use contrast material is observed if the boundaries of the tumor need to be determined as accurately as possible or to identify the tumor itself.

Gadolinium-based agents used as contrast are administered intravenously and in a small number of cases can cause side effects - nausea, allergic reaction, vomiting, dizziness.

Such substances allow you to examine the vascular network as accurately as possible and determine the lesion.

Alternative diagnostic methods, advantages and disadvantages of MRI

If there are contraindications for MRI of the elbow joint, it is worth using alternative methods for diagnosing diseases.

1. Computed tomography (CT) is a study that can be performed if there are metal parts in the body. Among other diagnostic methods, this method is the most informative.
2. MSCT is a diagnostic method that is not so sensitive to the patient’s movements during the procedure and does not require the use of contrast agents.
3. Ultrasound is a fairly effective method, not so expensive and completely safe. Suitable if you need to examine a newborn baby.
4. PET-CT helps to further determine how much the organ being examined is able to function. This type of diagnosis also determines the presence of a neoplasm at an early stage.

Thus, MRI of the elbow joint and hands can be safely considered a harmless non-invasive method for diagnosing diseases and injuries. If a contrast agent is not used, this examination method is also classified as painless. Thanks to MRI, it is possible to diagnose even pathologies that X-rays cannot detect.

Review of magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow and possible diagnoses Link to main publication

Source: https://diagme.ru/mrt/pozvonochnik-sustavy-kosti/loktevogo-sustava

How is an MRI of the elbow performed?

MRI of the elbow joint allows you to find out the condition of the joints, muscle tissue and blood vessels of a person in various injuries. It is also a reliable method for diagnosing pathologies of the elbow joint. MRI makes it possible to see the area being examined in three dimensions.

Indications and contraindications

MRI of the elbow is prescribed as a separate type of examination, or in combination with other diagnostic methods. For prevention, this procedure is rarely prescribed due to its high cost.

Indications for MRI of the elbow area of ​​the arm are as follows:

1. Pain in the elbow area at rest and with movement.
2. The presence of neoplasms or tumors of various types.
3. Joint immobility (partial or complete).
4. An inflammatory process caused by increased skin temperature in the elbow area.
5. Induration, swelling, discoloration in the area of ​​the elbow joint.
6. Discomfort, numbness of the elbow.
7. Visible deformation of the joint.

Contraindications for diagnostics are:

• patient's pacemaker;
• the presence of large metal implants or ferromagnetic fragments;
• available metal brain fixators (except titanium);
• built-in defibrillator;
• insulin pump.

Relative contraindications are:

• pregnancy;
• nerve stimulants;
• artificial heart valves;
• tattoos made from metallic inks;
• the presence of metal implants in the inner ear;
• claustrophobia and other psychological problems.

How to prepare for an MRI

Preparation for magnetic resonance imaging is as follows.

Before prescribing an MRI to a patient, the doctor carefully collects information about the patient’s chronic diseases to exclude complications or side effects. For example, in case of renal failure, a contrast examination is not prescribed.

On the day of the MRI, you should refrain from using decorative and skincare cosmetics, because in creams, eye shadows, etc. may contain metal impurities.

You cannot bring keys, watches, electronic devices, or bank cards into the diagnostic room.

Before the contrast study, you should refrain from drinking water and food for 2 hours; with standard tomography of the elbow, the diet is unlimited. It is recommended to visit the toilet 10 minutes before the examination.

How is the scan performed?

Magnetic resonance imaging is performed in open and closed type devices. The examination is carried out with or without contrast.

It is believed that open MRI is less accurate than closed MRI. An open tomograph scans patients who are overweight or who suffer from claustrophobia.

The open apparatus is a table above which there are recognition scanners. The patient lies down on the table and the elbow is scanned. The duration of the study varies from 15 to 45 minutes.

Scanning progress in a closed-type tomograph

If the diagnosis is carried out in a closed apparatus, then the patient lies in the capsule, his head is fixed in a special device, his arms and legs are secured with belts.

To eliminate discomfort from the noise of the tomograph, earplugs are inserted into the ears. To signal the doctor if a person feels unwell, there is a special bulb that the person holds in his hand during the entire procedure.

The doctor is in another room and monitors the progress of the scan on a computer monitor. After the procedure is completed, the patient, without making sudden movements, carefully gets up and leaves the diagnostic room. A person receives the results of MRI interpretation on the same day or on the day prescribed by the doctor.

When to Apply Contrast

MRI with contrast is used if there is a suspicion of a tumor in the bone tissue. This is done to more accurately determine the location of the tumor and its size.

Gadolinium is used as a contrast agent, on the basis of which contrast agents are produced.

The technique involves injecting a contrast agent into the human body, which enhances the magnetization effect of tissues. The contrast solution accumulates in areas with good blood flow, which is typical for tumors due to their rapid growth.

Thanks to the contrast, these areas are clearly visible in the photographs. The procedure itself is quite painful and is supervised by an anesthesiologist.

How long does the examination take?

A standard magnetic resonance diagnostic procedure lasts 15-45 minutes. If an elbow scan with contrast is ordered, an MRI takes much longer.

To begin with, a standard scan is performed, then the patient returns to the doctor's office and is given an intravenous contrast agent. After this, a re-diagnosis is carried out. The duration of an MRI study with contrast is approximately 50 minutes, in each case individually.

What does an MRI of the elbow joint show, what diseases and injuries can it detect?

Diagnosing the elbow joint is fraught with difficulties due to its complex structure and branched nervous system. Therefore, the doctor often prescribes a complex diagnosis, for example using a biopsy. This is done if MRI cannot be done for some reason.

MRI allows you to obtain a reliable picture of all joint structures and scan not only bone tissue, but also ligaments, nerves, cartilage, muscles and tendons, and does not require additional research. The only drawback of tomography is its high price.

Magnetic resonance imaging can detect the following diseases:

• all types of arthrosis and arthritis;
• bursitis;
• various neoplasms;
• epicondylitis;
• various degenerative diseases;
• presence of osteophytes;
• tendinitis;
• bone fractures;
• condition of the capsule after various injuries (ruptures or fragmentations).

Advantages of MRI of the elbow joint over other techniques

During an MRI scan, a layer-by-layer image of the organs of the human body is displayed on the screen. This allows not only to distinguish one organ from another, but also to record the slightest changes or disturbances in the form of neoplasms, tumors and other processes.

The technique accurately assesses the condition of soft tissues, the structure of which largely consists of liquid.

In addition to safety and the absence of side effects, MRI has the following advantages over other diagnostic methods:

• recognition of tumors and foci of inflammation at an early stage thanks to detailed images;
• the ability to scan in places where CT is not effective, for example: overlap of the examined area with bones;
• indication of blood flow speed, brain activity, cerebrospinal fluid flow;
• possibility of contrasting;
• complete exclusion of errors when making a diagnosis.

Where is the examination done and how much does it cost?

Diagnostics are carried out in public and private clinics. A free examination is possible only with a doctor’s referral, with confirmation that the patient needs this examination.

Most often, budget clinics issue a limited number of quotas for free MRI. The priority of patients for this procedure is decided by the chief physician.

In private clinics or diagnostic rooms, only paid examinations are carried out. The price depends on the type of device. Diagnostics using a low-field tomograph is cheaper than a high-field one, because the former consumes less electricity and has limited functions.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow joint on a low-field tomograph varies from 2 to 4 thousand rubles. The same procedure on a high-field apparatus will cost 3.5-7 thousand rubles.

When performing tomography using contrast, the cost of the examination increases several times.

Source: https://iDiagnost.ru/mrt/kak-provoditsya-mrt-loktevogo-sustava

MRI of the elbow joint: what it shows and when to do it

Currently, for a complete examination of the organ, a diagnostic method such as MRI, including the elbow joint, is often used. With such a study, in the image you can clearly see not only the bones of the joint, but also the muscles, ligaments, nerve fibers and blood vessels.

If you suspect any problems in the elbow area, you must consult a doctor in time so that he can send you for this procedure. What an MRI will show, how to prepare for it and how much it will cost - read about it below.

What does an MRI of the elbow joint show?

This diagnostic method has many advantages that are used in various fields of medicine. The essence of tomography is as follows: a magnetic field acts on a selected area, and the computer records the return electromagnetic signal.

Reliable data can be obtained by examining various structures of the elbow joint using MRI:

• ligaments;
• nerves;
• tendons;
• muscles;
• cartilage;
• bone tissue.

Problems in the elbow joint are quite difficult to diagnose due to its complex structure. It includes the radioulnar, humeroradial, and humeroulnar joints, which are located in one ligament. The ulnar nerve has three branches: median, ulnar, and radial.

The movement of blood in the joint supplies the connection of arteries with a large number of branches. The elbow is quite complex in design, so in some situations even a non-invasive method of examination does not help to come to a specific diagnosis.

At the same time, using tomography, you can obtain a reliable and accurate image in which all deviations from the norms of the various components of the elbow will be visible. The most important thing is that additional examinations are not needed. However, there is also a disadvantage to using this testing method: it is a fairly expensive test, so it is not prescribed every time.

Devices for MRI of the elbow joint

There are two types of tomography equipment: open and closed. Moreover, it has different power, configuration and functional features.

Closed devices are used by about 90% of medical institutions, because such tomographs are distinguished by maximum accuracy and a significant range of functions.

When performing an MRI of the elbow joint, the patient is placed on a retractable platform with which the device is equipped. Next, the platform, together with the patient, automatically enters the device.

During the examination, the patient is in a confined space.

Open options are used if there are contraindications to a closed tomograph. The person sits on a special surface.

There are magnets on both sides of the area being tested - bottom and top. However, this type of tomography has a low magnetic field potential and therefore cannot show the exact structure of certain organs.

At the same time, such a device still has some advantages.

Advantages of open tomographs:

• suitable for people who suffer from a fear of confined spaces;
• patients whose body weight exceeds 130 kg can be studied;
• used during surgery if there is a need to scan tissue;
• ideal for examining young children who need parental support.

However, to examine the elbow joint, it is necessary to use a closed-type tomograph, because open devices will not provide a complete picture of all the constituent elements of the organ.

Benefits of MRI of the elbow joint

MRI is a non-invasive, accurate and complete examination that provides an excellent picture of all the internal organs of the human body.

When diagnosing the elbow structure, which is quite complex, magnetic resonance imaging saves you from carrying out additional tests, since thanks to MRI the entire anatomy of the elbow joint is visible, and you receive detailed information about the changes occurring in its tissues.

Positive aspects of tomography during examination of the elbow joint:

• The patient is not exposed to ionizing and radiation radiation.
• You can examine the desired area in different planes: frontal, sagittal, axial. This method helps to see tissue with anatomical accuracy and make three-dimensional images.
• Only with the help of tomography can a non-invasive examination be carried out to detect any changes in the elbow joint at an early stage.
• Due to its high sensitivity and contrast, tomography helps to detect swelling, inflammation or swelling of the soft tissue located near the bones.
• The patient can be examined as many times as the doctor needs for diagnosis, because the procedure is painless and does not cause any harm to the body.
• In addition to the structure of the tissue, you can see the speed of blood in the vessels and the pressure inside the bones.

If it is necessary to study the internal structure of the elbow, then tomography is the only procedure where additional tests are not needed. It helps to detect injuries, various disorders, inflammation, swelling in any area of ​​the joint.

When to do an MRI of the elbow joint

Tomography is prescribed in cases where other examinations failed to reveal anything or are contraindicated. Often, various pathologies progress quite quickly, so prompt and accurate diagnosis is required. Here MRI is preferable to everything else, because the result is ready almost immediately after the end of the study.

Source: https://www.salonveronika.ru/info/blog/mrt-loktevogo-sustava/

MRI of the elbow joint: what it shows, preparation, contraindications

Today, magnetic resonance imaging is becoming increasingly popular. The main advantages of this procedure include its high reliability and great information content.

An MRI of the elbow is a commonly ordered test. It shows the condition of not only bone tissue, but also cartilage, muscles and blood vessels located in the organ under study.

Features of the method

Such a study is often prescribed in cases where there is a suspicion of an erroneous result of another diagnosis. MRI of the elbow joint can be performed an unlimited number of times during the entire treatment, since the procedure is completely safe for the body as a whole.

The tomography machine does not emit harmful radiation, unlike X-ray devices. The composition of the contrast agent, sometimes used in the procedure, is completely harmless to almost any person.

All information obtained during magnetic resonance imaging is placed on a special medium or provided in images for the convenience of further analysis and prescribing the correct treatment.

Why is an MRI prescribed for the elbow joint?

The elbow, or elbow joint, has a complex structure. Due to high loads, it is often injured or has dysfunction. It is MRI when examining the elbow that makes it possible to identify the causes of dysfunction, detect disorders, injuries, fractures, tumors and assess the general condition, after which it becomes possible to prescribe the correct treatment.

The elbow joint consists of three joints that are constantly in motion. Due to high loads, they are at risk, and nerve columns and blood vessels located fairly close to the joint also often suffer from injury and inflammation.

MRI of the elbow joint gives a complete picture of the disease and allows you to determine the nature of the tumor without internal intervention.

The symptoms of various diseases that affect the elbow joint are often similar, therefore, without an accurate examination, it is difficult to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

What are the advantages of such a survey?

1. Using a tomograph makes it possible to quickly and painlessly examine the bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels in the elbow.
2. It is much more effective in determining the type of tumor (if it is present in the elbow).

3. It makes it possible not only to obtain an ideal image of the damaged area, but also to determine its dimensions extremely accurately (the accuracy of the image is measured in millimeters).

4. The procedure does not cause any harm to the patient, therefore, it can be performed many times during the period of treatment of the disease.

5. After the scan, there is no need for a rehabilitation period, since the examination is carried out using a non-invasive method and is completely painless.
6. Today, tomography is the most informative and reliable examination that can detect any pathology of the elbow.

In what cases is it justified to prescribe an examination?

The examination can be carried out as prescribed by the attending physician in case of suspicion of a serious, rapidly progressing disease. Paid examination is possible upon request. The examination is carried out:

• If you have pain that cannot be relieved; swelling accompanied by redness or fever; stiffness of movements; crunching in the joint.
• If you receive injuries or bruises. If a fracture is suspected, especially in elderly patients.
• If there are contraindications to the X-ray examination method, for example, during pregnancy, chronic diseases (tuberculosis, kidney or liver damage).
• When a nerve is pinched. This condition often occurs due to constant pressure from the elbow on hard surfaces (for example, on a desk top). Over time, the disease leads to complete muscle atrophy, causing the fingers to become almost immobile.
• When prescribing a comprehensive examination before surgery on the elbow joint, as well as after the operation, in order to check the scar that has formed.
• If you suspect arthritis (a disease leading to inflammation of the joints) or arthrosis (a chronic disease of the joints leading to degenerative-dystrophic changes in bone tissue).
• To confirm the results of previous research methods.
• If an infectious course of the disease is suspected.
• In the presence of tumors that do not resolve for a long time or increase in size.

When is examination not recommended for a patient?

• Prescribed with caution during pregnancy and lactation (only when the benefit outweighs the possible harm to health). There is a possibility that the contrast agent may harm the fetus or pass into breast milk.
• Not recommended for diabetes mellitus and renal failure due to difficulties in removing the contrast agent from the patient's body.
• Prohibited if you have a pacemaker, as MRI may cause the device to malfunction.
• If there are metal plates, implants, prostheses (bone or dental) or vascular clips in the body of the subject.
• It is prescribed with caution in the presence of extensive tattoos made using paints containing metal in their structure (such dyes are not used at present; they are dangerous only for people who have had tattoos for a long time). According to surveys of subjects, unpleasant or painful sensations occur in the area of ​​tattoos during the procedure.
• Not recommended for people suffering from claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces). If such a study is necessary, they should take a course of sedatives in advance to relieve anxiety. It is advisable to carry out the procedure in an open type apparatus to avoid negative consequences.
• The procedure in a closed-type tomograph is not possible for overweight people (body weight should not exceed 150 kilograms).
• It is quite difficult to perform in patients diagnosed with hyperkinesis (unconscious, spontaneous muscle contraction that occurs due to disruption of the central nervous system).

How is magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow performed?

During the examination you should have the following documents on hand:

• Identification document (passport).
• Referral from the attending physician (if the study is carried out free of charge).
• All results of previous examinations (for completeness).
• Medical record (to identify changes in the development of the disease).

How is the examination carried out?

• On the day of your scheduled procedure, you should eat a few hours before the examination if it is performed using contrast.
• Before starting the procedure, you must remove any metal objects (watches, jewelry) from your body.
• The tomograph produces a peculiar sound; if a feeling of discomfort occurs, the patient may need earplugs or headphones.

MRI of the elbow joint is carried out in a horizontal position, while the head, chest and arms of the subject are fixed with special devices.

After preparation, the platform on which the patient is fixed smoothly slides into the tomograph so that the joint being examined is completely inside the tunnel. When you turn on the device, there is a sound made by rotating rings. The rings of the tomograph rotate around the part of the body for which the examination is scheduled.

The main rule is to remain completely still during the procedure.

How long does the examination take?

The time spent on the procedure can vary from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the case. The results of the study are usually ready in a few minutes or hours; in difficult cases, the results are issued the next day.

What does an MRI of the elbow joint show?

After an examination using a tomograph, it is quite easy to diagnose and identify the following diseases:

• The presence of bursitis (an acute inflammatory process in the periarticular bursa located between the bones and muscles of a person) or an abscess.
• The presence of fractures or cracks in the elbow area.
• The emergence of infected foci of bone tissue, the formation of cysts.
• Identification of injured areas in the elbow area (often the ligaments, tendons or cartilage tissue in the elbow joint are affected).
• The presence of osteonecrosis and synovitis (this is inflammation that occurs on the inner lining of the joint capsule; the disease is dangerous because it is practically invisible due to the lack of pain).
• Detection of damage to the ulnar nerves (radial nerve, median nerve).
• The occurrence of arthritis or arthrosis of the elbow.

Using contrast - when is it necessary?

Scanning the elbow using a contrast agent is the most complex and expensive type of examination. The procedure takes longer and is performed in cases where the elbow joint is being checked for tumors.

Using this type of diagnosis, not only the exact location of the tumor is determined, but also the clear boundaries of the tumor.

Contrast agents injected into the elbow joint make it possible to see blood vessels and lesions with unimaginable clarity.

The contrast composition has virtually no side effects and in rare cases causes allergic reactions.

Source: https://mrtu.ru/tverdye-tkani/mrt-loktevogo-sustava.html

MRI of the elbow joint

If your attending physician doubts the accuracy of his diagnosis and the adequacy of the proposed treatment, he may prescribe an MRI examination of the elbow joint.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow joint makes it possible to obtain the clearest images possible, from which you can subsequently easily distinguish any changes that have occurred in your joint.

Often an MRI is necessary to fully confirm the results of the images that were taken during the x-ray procedure.

MRI procedure

Examination of the elbow joint using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner is carried out thanks to magnetic fields that penetrate the tissue and transmit an image of the joint in its section in several places. The magnet, which emits waves when the device is turned on, is located in the projection of the elbow joint. Images are transferred to the computer, which can be combined into one three-dimensional model.

In what cases is an MRI of the elbow joint necessary?

There are quite a large number of situations where it is simply impossible to make a correct diagnosis without magnetic resonance imaging. Among these cases the following can be noted:

• Suspicion of inflammation of the elbow muscles. This disease is called myositis
• If the patient is suspected of having a tumor and needs a puncture, but the risk of severe bleeding or serious tissue damage is too great, an MRI is prescribed, which can completely replace this procedure.
• When tissue changes (degenerative)
• If the patient suffers from arthritis or arthrosis
• If you have suffered a domestic, sports or work-related injury, as a result of which the ligaments in the elbow joint could have been damaged or torn.

What MRI scans show

In MRI images, you can distinguish not only all those changes in the elbow joint that occurred as a result of injury or disease, but also the location of tumors or pinched nerves.

Images obtained as a result of an MRI scan make it possible to identify those areas of the joint in which neoplasms, both benign and malignant, are possible.

What are the benefits of MRI?

The MRI procedure has quite a lot of advantages compared to other procedures:

• Safety;
• Harmlessness;
• Accuracy of information received;
• Possibility of obtaining layer-by-layer images in the transverse, axial and sagittal planes;
• Obtaining information about the presence of the inflammatory process and infectious diseases in the early stages.

That is why MRI of the elbow joint can be performed more than once if necessary. As a result of this procedure, high-quality images are obtained, thanks to which an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Unlike MRI, ultrasound and X-rays are not able to provide as much reliable information about a given joint.

Only computed tomography (CT) can stand on a par with MRI, since both have a similar research process pattern and the results obtained are the same in their information content.

Practical significance

It is precisely in the high degree of information content and accuracy of data and the ability to identify pathologies in the early stages of development that lies the practical significance of MRI of the elbow joint. Early diagnosis of the disease is the key to successful treatment.

Source: https://unitmed.ru/mrt-loktevogo-sustava

MRI of the elbow joint: what does it show and how is it done?

This diagnostic method has many advantages and is therefore widely used in all areas of medicine. The essence of MRI is to apply a magnetic field to the elbow joint and obtain resonance in the form of radio signals.

MRI of the elbow joint makes it possible to obtain an accurate result of studying the following structures of the distal part of the shoulder and proximal part of the forearm:

• ligaments;
• nerves;
• tendons;
• muscles;
• cartilage;
• bone tissue.

Diagnosis of the elbow joint is complicated by its complex structure. It consists of several joints (humeroulnar, humeroradial and proximal radioulnar joints) located in one capsule. The ulnar nerve branches into three branches - radial, ulnar and median.

Blood circulation in the elbow joint is provided by a set of arteries with multiple branches. Due to such a complex structure of the elbow joint, non-invasive diagnostic methods do not always give a clear and unambiguous result.

Often, to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes several diagnostic methods and even resorts to a biopsy.

MRI shows an accurate and complete picture of changes in various tissues of the elbow joint and does not require additional studies. The only reason why MRI is not always chosen for research is the high cost of this analysis.

Benefits of MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive, informative and accurate type of radiation examination that provides a high-quality image of the internal structures of the body. When diagnosing complex joints such as the elbow, MRI eliminates additional tests, providing complete information about the condition of all tissues of the elbow.

Advantages of MRI in diagnosing the elbow:

• absence of radiation, ionizing radiation;
• possibility of research in several projections: sagittal, axial and frontal. This allows you to take into account all the anatomical features of the joint and obtain three-dimensional images;
• if there is a suspicion of the presence of neoplasms in the early stages in the elbow area, MRI is the only non-invasive type of examination;
• MRI has high contrast and sensitivity in detecting edema and infiltration of soft periarticular tissues;
• displays not only the structure of tissues, but also various functional parameters (blood flow speed, intraosseous pressure);
• the study can be carried out as many times as necessary, because it does not harm the person and is painless.

When examining the elbow, MRI is the only study that does not require additional tests. After all, with its help, developmental anomalies, injuries, degenerative-dystrophic disorders, inflammatory and tumor processes in all tissues of the elbow are identified.

Indications for MRI of the elbow joint

Magnetic resonance imaging is indicated when other methods of analysis have not provided an accurate picture of the disease, or X-rays and computed tomography are contraindicated for the patient for various reasons.

If a dangerous, rapidly progressing pathology is suspected, an MRI is definitely recommended. After all, the examination will immediately provide accurate results for any pathologies of the elbow joint.

Indications for MRI:

• detection of unclear changes on an x-ray of the elbow joint;
• constant pain in the elbow area that cannot be relieved with medication;
• inflammation not only in the joint, but also in nearby tissues;
• complex injuries;
• suspicion of infection in the elbow joint;
• suspicion of the presence of neoplasms;
• ulnar nerve neuropathy;
• old injuries, improperly healed fractures, which provoked an inflammatory process in the tissues.

Don't miss: Synovitis of the elbow joint

All medical procedures have some contraindications, tomography is no exception. This study is prohibited for people with pacemakers and metal implants: plates, pins.

If MRI is performed with the introduction of a contrast agent, then this method is not recommended for use by pregnant and nursing mothers, patients with diabetes, and patients with chronic renal failure.

MRI examinations are difficult to perform in childhood. Although the procedure itself does not harm the child’s body, young patients are not always able to remain motionless during the procedure, which reduces the quality of the study.

How is an MRI of the elbow performed?

No special preparation is required to perform an MRI of the elbow joint. Before the procedure, all metal items are removed: glasses, jewelry, braces, etc.

Clothing left on the patient should not have metal parts. The patient lies down on a special tomograph platform, and the entire examination is carried out in a horizontal position.

An important condition for obtaining a high-quality result is complete immobility during the procedure.

The patient is asked to wear headphones so that the noise of the operating device does not cause discomfort. If difficulties arise, you can talk to your doctor using an intercom. The duration of tomography of the elbow joint is from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the pathology.

The doctor monitors the patient's condition through video equipment.

When the elbow joint is examined for the occurrence of neoplasms, an MRI is performed with the introduction of a contrast agent. This is a more complex and expensive diagnostic method. Contrast allows you to accurately image vessels and lesions, determine the location, nature and boundaries of the tumor. The time for elbow diagnostics increases to 1 hour.

The results of the study are ready immediately after its completion. It takes a functional diagnostics doctor about 20 minutes to decipher and describe the data. In particularly complex cases, the description of the results of the procedure can last several hours. Typically, the MRI result is given to the patient on the day of the procedure.

What does an MRI of the elbow joint show?

Magnetic resonance imaging images in three-dimensional format clearly display bone structures, muscles, cartilage tissue, ligaments and blood vessels.

In the elbow joint, the network of blood vessels is not developed, but when a contrast composition is introduced into the blood, neoplasms are clearly visualized. MRI determines the nature and location of the tumor.

When examining the elbow, an MRI is often prescribed if the presence of neoplasms is suspected. This is the only non-invasive method for diagnosing tumors.

If there is a suspicion of ligamentous injuries, the doctor will insist on magnetic resonance imaging, because this study will show even minimal ligament rupture.

Changes in all tissues of the elbow can be seen in the necessary projections, in a flat or three-dimensional form, concentrating attention on the problem area.

Using MRI, you can diagnose the following disorders in the elbow joint:

• damage to the median and radial ulnar nerves;
• neoplasms in hard and soft tissues;
• inflammatory process of the synovial membrane of the joint (synovitis);
• degenerative-dystrophic processes in cartilage tissue;
• injuries, including old and improperly healed fractures;
• congenital anomalies;
• arthritis;
• purulent and infectious inflammation in hard and soft tissues: abscess, osteomyelitis, bursitis;
• inflammation in the joint and soft tissues: gout, rheumatoid arthritis;
• ganglion cyst;
• damage to muscle tissue;
• avascular necrosis;
• medial and lateral epicondylitis.

Types of magnetic resonance imaging scanners

MRI machines vary in power, appearance, and set of functions. But they are all divided into two types: closed and open.

1. Closed MRI – used in 90% of clinics. The device is equipped with a retractable platform on which the patient is placed. The platform automatically enters the tomograph. During the examination, the patient remains in a closed space. Closed tomographs have wide functionality and extreme accuracy.
2. Open MRI - the patient lies on a platform, magnets are located above and below the area being examined. Such tomographs have a lower magnetic field potential and cannot qualitatively show the structure of some organs. But at the same time they have a number of advantages.

Advantages of open tomographs:

• used for patients suffering from claustrophobia;
• convenient for examining people with increased body weight, more than 130 kg;
• such a device is indispensable if tissue scanning is required during a surgical operation;
• Open-type tomographs are used to conduct examinations for young children who require the presence of their parents.

MRI of the elbow joint should be performed using closed-type machines. Open tomographs cannot qualitatively visualize all structures of the elbow joint.

Where is it done and how much does the procedure cost?

Magnetic resonance imaging is an expensive type of diagnosis. The specific price for an MRI of the elbow depends on the type of machine used for the study. Tomographs can have different physical properties, resolution, and operating speed. Tomographs are divided into low-field and high-field.

Low-field tomographs have magnetic field strengths in the range of 0.2 - 0.5 Tesla. The cost of research using such a device will be lower due to lower power consumption and a limited set of functions.

High-field devices have a magnetic field strength of 1 – 1.5 Tesla. They have wider diagnostic capabilities. Tomography using a high-field device is much more expensive.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a modern, highly accurate type of research. It can be used as the only type of diagnosis of elbow pathologies, because MRI displays changes in all tissues of the joint under study. A significant disadvantage of MRI is its high cost compared to other types of studies.

Source: https://diartroz.ru/diagnostika/mrt/mrt-loktevogo-sustava-2.html