Pre-Injection or Pre-Procedure Planning for Elbow Conditions: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is imaging important before elbow injections or procedures?

Elbow injections or procedures are intended to target a specific structure, such as:

  • A tendon (common extensor or flexor origin)
  • A ligament (e.g. UCL or RCL)
  • The elbow joint
  • A bursa or surrounding soft tissue

Without accurate imaging, it may not be clear which structure is actually responsible for the pain, increasing the likelihood of ineffective or short-lived results.

What elbow treatments commonly benefit from MRI planning?

MRI is often helpful before:

  • Intra-articular elbow injections
  • Tendon-related injections
  • Bursal injections
  • Decisions about further interventional or procedural care

MRI helps ensure that treatment is appropriately targeted rather than based on assumption.

Why do some elbow injections fail without prior MRI?

Injections may fail when:

  • The pain source is incorrectly identified
  • Multiple pathologies are present but only one is treated
  • Structural damage (e.g. partial tendon tear or ligament injury) is missed

This can lead to repeated treatments with limited benefit.

Why is MRI recommended before elbow procedures?

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 before elbow injections or procedures.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI provides detailed assessment of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, joint surfaces, and bone marrow in a single scan.

Why are clinical examination and X-rays often insufficient before procedures?

X-rays are useful for assessing bone alignment and arthritis but cannot:

  • Visualise tendon or ligament integrity
  • Detect partial tears or degeneration
  • Identify cartilage or bone marrow pathology

Clinical examination alone cannot reliably determine the most appropriate treatment target.

What are the benefits of MRI-guided decision-making?

MRI-informed planning helps to:

  • Improve accuracy of treatment
  • Reduce unnecessary or repeated injections
  • Avoid procedures unlikely to help
  • Support clearer discussion of treatment options

This leads to more efficient, patient-centred care.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange before elbow procedures?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave or insurance.
  • Delays elsewhere: External imaging centres often involve long waiting times, delaying treatment decisions.

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 can assess and arrange MRI immediately
  • No need to:
    • Visit a separate imaging centre
    • Find another doctor just 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 elbow MRI costs?

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 before elbow injections or procedures?

MRI should be considered if:

  • An elbow injection or procedure is being planned
  • Previous injections have not worked
  • The source of pain is unclear
  • A more targeted, evidence-based approach is desired

MRI helps ensure treatments are precise rather than trial-and-error.

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

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