Elbow MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow joint is one of the most accurate diagnostic methods in orthopedics. In most cases, it is prescribed after radiography, if it is necessary to clarify the information obtained earlier. The technique makes it possible to track degenerative and inflammatory processes in bone, joint and cartilage tissues at an early stage.

You can do an MRI of the elbow joint using a new generation tomograph at the "K+31" clinic in Moscow.

What does an MRI of the elbow show

The method allows you to examine soft tissues (tendons, ligaments, cartilage, periarticular bags, etc.) without direct intervention. During the examination, the doctor sees a three-dimensional model of the organ, which includes bones, soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels.

During the tomography, the specialist reveals:

  • Injuries.
  • Diseases of the joints.
  • Inflammation.
  • Dystrophy in arthrosis.
  • Development of tumor conditions.
  • The growth of scars after injuries.

The procedure is often recommended if other research methods have not yielded results or have been uninformative.

Indications for MRI of the elbow

For preventive control, it is recommended to undergo diagnostics annually. MRI is also performed on the recommendation of the attending physician when:

  • Pain in the elbow.
  • Epicondylitis.
  • Neoplasms.
  • The need to obtain additional data on the course of already diagnosed pathologies of bone or cartilage tissues.
  • Metastases.
  • Suspicion of the development of oncological pathologies.
  • Bursitis.
  • Bone changes due to trauma.
  • Arthritis.
  • The need to check the condition of the elbow after injury.
  • Anomalies in the development of the bone structure.
  • Arthrosis.
  • Suspicion of accumulation of fluids inside the capsule of the elbow joint.

In addition, the procedure is necessary in preparation for surgery and to control the treatment process.

Tomography has no strict limitations. People of any age can undergo an MRI of the elbow, as long as the person is able to remain still during the diagnostic process to obtain high-quality images. As a rule, children are prescribed the procedure from the age of 7.

Contraindications for MRI of the elbow

MRI with contrast is not recommended for people with individual intolerance to the drugs used during the procedure. Also, diagnostics are not carried out when:

  • Pregnancy.
  • Lactation
  • Having an artificial heart valve or pacemaker
  • Renal failure.
  • Metal implants in the body (with the exception of titanium prostheses).

Also, diagnostics are not performed on patients who have tattoos with metallic dyes. MRI is not prescribed for children (under 7 years old) who, due to their age, are not able to remain motionless for the required time.

How to prepare for an MRI of the elbow

The procedure does not require special preparation from the patient. If an MRI with contrast is prescribed, it is necessary to consult with an allergist to rule out a possible reaction of the body to the drugs.

It is also recommended that you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking and any claustrophobia you have.

Diagnosis is carried out by appointment, you must have a referral from your doctor and the results of previous studies - MRI, CT, etc.

How Elbow MRI is done

Before the examination, the patient will need to remove jewelry, hair clips and watches, put gadgets out of pockets. If there are metal objects on the clothes (decorative elements, buttons), they must also be removed.

If the procedure involves an MRI with contrast, the patient is given a gadolinium-based drug intravenously (through a catheter).

Diagnostic algorithm:

  1. The patient is comfortably positioned on the CT scanner bed.
  2. The diagnostician gently fixes the person in such a way that it is comfortable for him to remain motionless throughout the procedure.
  3. Being in a neighboring office, a specialist scans and takes the required number of pictures.

Sedatives may be offered to claustrophobic patients. In addition, the doctor constantly maintains voice communication with the patient and, if necessary, can interrupt the procedure at any time.

A normal diagnosis takes about half an hour. When using contrast, the time increases by 15-20 minutes. If it is necessary to obtain MRI images of the elbow joint of both limbs, the total duration of the diagnosis is 1 hour.

Research results

The device makes several dozen images in different projections in one session. The diagnostician selects the clearest ones and places them on the final image. Based on the images, an assessment of the examination results is made.

The diagnostician saves the images on a digital medium (disk), and draws up the transcript and conclusion in a document.

The results of the examination are issued within an hour. However, if complex diagnostics with repeated images were carried out, processing may take up to 24 hours.

The conclusion is not the basis for self-diagnosis! Only a specialist can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, evaluating the results of a comprehensive examination.

Benefits of Elbow MRI

The procedure wins over other methods in a number of ways:

  • The high level of diagnostic efficiency makes it possible to detect the slightest signs of pathology. Thanks to this, the diagnosis can be made at the early stages of diseases (including those that are asymptomatic). This, in turn, increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Safety and security. During the procedure, the patient is not exposed to X-ray radiation. MRI of the elbow joint can be performed several times a year and used to diagnose children.
  • High resolution. As a result of the procedure, clear images are obtained, in which objects less than 5 mm in size are visible. It is also possible to get an image in different projections.
  • Optimal visualization of bones and soft structures: muscles, joints, tendons, cartilage, bone marrow.
  • The sensitivity and quality of tissue imaging of MRI diagnostics exceeds those of ultrasound and radiography. This makes it possible to detect neoplasms.

When performing an MRI of the elbow joint, iodine-containing contrast agents are not used, so the procedure is suitable for allergy sufferers.

MRI of the elbow joint: price in Moscow

Tomography of the elbow in the clinic "K+31" can be done on modern equipment under the guidance of professional diagnosticians. The base price of an MRI of the elbow joint in a medical center is from 10,500 rubles. The final cost is formed taking into account the cost of the contrast agent (if applicable) and the interpretation of the indicators.

In the medical center, you can also undergo MRI of the brain and vessels of the head, cervical and thoracic spine, pelvic organs, abdominal cavity, liver, pancreas and others. It is possible to do an MRI of the shoulder and elbow joint in one session.

An appointment at a convenient time for you is carried out by calling +7 (499) 999-31-31. Also by this number you can get information about the nuances of the procedure, promotions of the clinic and clarify the cost of the examination.

Service record



Specialists

All specialists
Sinitsyn
Valentine Evgenyevich

Chief Consultant in Radiation Diagnostics, Radiologist

Doctor of Sciences, PhD, professor

Maso
Michael Lvovich

Mammologist, radiologist, ultrasound diagnostician

PhD

Puzakov
Kirill Borisovich

Leading Consultant in Radiology, Radiologist

Chichkanova
Tatyana Vladimirovna

Oncologist-mammologist, radiologist

Kondratyev
Eugene Valerevich

Leading CT Specialist, MRI

PhD, leading research fellow

Sychenkova
Irina Yuryevna

Leading MRI Specialist

Leading expert MNIOI them. P.A. Herzen

Schulz
Eugene Igorevich

Leading neuroradiologist in MRI and CT diagnostics

PhD

Vasilieva
Yulia Nikolaevna

Radiologist, leading specialist in radiation diagnostics

PhD

Yagizarov
Imran Rasulovich

Head of the department of radiation diagnostics, radiologist