MRI of the Elbow: Techniques and Spectrum of Disease

Abstract

MRI is a valuable, noninvasive method of elbow evaluation. This article updates orthopaedic surgeons on the various available MRI techniques and facilitates recognition of the MRI appearances of the most commonly seen pathologic elbow conditions.

Osteochondral Lesions of Major Joints

“…Fragment enhancement suggests adequate blood supply and bone viability [14,35]. Enhancement of the zone between the fragment and parent bone corresponds to histologic evidence of loose fragment and subjacent granulation tissue.…”

“…In contrast to OCL, Panner disease heals spontaneously with little if any residual deformity and does not typically lead to intra articular loose bodies. It occurs in a younger age group than OCL [14,20]. It classically affects the entire capitellum and demonstrates low T1 signal and high T2 signal.…”

“…Osteochondral lesion can affect the elbow and most commonly the lateral distal aspect of the humerus and capitellar convex surface that is most susceptible to OCL [6,14]. It is related to throwing activities.…”

“…The capitellar pseudodefect and trochlear groove, along with a focal area devoid of cartilage at the junction of the coronoid and olecranon articular surfaces of the ulna in the trochlear notch should not be confused with OCL. Features such as smooth contours, absence of bone marrow oedema, and the posterior location can help to distinguish OCL from other features found on scans [14,[17][18][19]. Panner disease has also been considered.…”

Dirseğin Patolojik Değişiklikleri

“…geldiğinde, osteokondral cisim haline dönüşür (Resim 4) [9]. Osteokondritis disekans olgularında fragmante ve sağlam kemik arasındaki ara yüzde eklem sıvısı varlığı, sıvıya duyarlı sekanslar ile kolaylıkla izlenebilir ve insitabil lezyona işaret eder.…”