Post-Surgical Elbow Pain or Failed Elbow Surgery: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is pain normal after elbow surgery?

Some discomfort is expected during the early recovery period after elbow surgery. However, pain should:

  • Gradually improve over time
  • Reduce with rehabilitation and activity modification
  • Not persist or worsen once healing is underway

Pain that continues beyond the expected recovery window requires further evaluation.

What does “failed elbow surgery” mean?

This term does not imply surgical error. It refers to situations where:

  • Symptoms did not improve as expected
  • Pain returned after an initial period of improvement
  • New symptoms developed following surgery

This can occur even when surgery was appropriate and technically successful.

What causes persistent pain after elbow surgery?

Common causes include:

  • Residual or recurrent tendon pathology
  • Ligament insufficiency or instability
  • Cartilage damage or loose bodies
  • Joint inflammation or effusion
  • Scar tissue affecting joint mechanics
  • Bone marrow changes not visible on X-ray
  • Hardware-related irritation (where applicable)

Accurate identification of the cause is essential before further treatment.

Why is MRI important after elbow surgery?

Core Medical Principles

  • MRI is one of the most accurate imaging modalities currently available
  • Without accurate imaging, no doctor—regardless of experience—can reliably make a precise diagnosis
  • Without accurate diagnosis, treatment plans become generic, presumptive, and often fail
  • Many failed treatments are due to trial-and-error care without imaging
  • Based on modern medical technology and current standard of care, MRI should be considered when elbow pain persists or recurs after surgery
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation

MRI allows evaluation of:

  • Tendons and ligaments
  • Cartilage surfaces
  • Joint inflammation
  • Scar tissue
  • Bone marrow changes

Why are X-rays and examination often insufficient after surgery?

X-rays primarily assess:

  • Bone alignment
  • Fracture healing
  • Surgical hardware

They cannot reliably assess:

  • Tendons or ligaments
  • Cartilage integrity
  • Internal joint inflammation
  • Soft tissue scarring

Clinical examination alone cannot define the internal cause of persistent pain.

What happens if MRI is delayed in post-surgical elbow pain?

Delaying MRI may result in:

  • Prolonged pain and functional limitation
  • Repeated ineffective rehabilitation or injections
  • Delayed decision-making regarding further management

Early imaging helps clarify the situation and avoid unnecessary treatments.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange after elbow surgery?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave or insurance
  • Delays elsewhere: External imaging centres often involve referral steps and long waiting times

These delays can slow recovery planning.

Why arrange your elbow MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic?

Clinic Positioning

The Pain Relief Clinic is:

  • Centrally located at 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House
  • A 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT
  • Equipped with convenient parking
  • Located immediately outside ERP

Key advantages:

  • MRI machine on-site
  • Doctor assessment with immediate MRI arrangement
  • No need to:
    • Visit a separate imaging centre
    • Find another doctor solely for an MRI referral
  • The doctor has been helping patients with spine and joint-related problems since 2007 (18 years)
  • Focus on non-invasive, technology-powered treatments

MRI aims:

  • Under $1000
  • Within 1 working day

Can insurance or Medisave help cover MRI costs after elbow surgery?

Insurance & Cost Information

MRI may be covered by:

  • Personal accident insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Company insurance
  • Company flexi-benefits
  • Hospitalisation plans (policy-dependent)

Medisave limits:

  • Current: $300
  • From 1 January 2026: $600

Medisave can potentially cover more than half of the MRI cost, depending on eligibility.

When should I consider an MRI after elbow surgery?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Elbow pain persists beyond the expected recovery period
  • Symptoms worsen after initial improvement
  • Function remains limited despite rehabilitation

MRI helps move post-surgical care from uncertainty to precise, evidence-based management.

For more information or to arrange an MRI scan, contact The Pain Relief Clinic via WhatsApp at +65 9068 9605.

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