Suspected Ligament Injury of the Elbow: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are ligament injuries of the elbow?

Ligaments are strong connective tissues that stabilise the elbow joint. The most commonly injured elbow ligaments include:

  • Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) – on the inner (medial) side
  • Radial Collateral Ligament (RCL) – on the outer (lateral) side

Ligament injuries may range from mild sprains to partial or complete tears.

What symptoms suggest a possible elbow ligament injury?

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain on the inner or outer side of the elbow
  • A feeling of instability or “giving way”
  • Pain during throwing, lifting, pushing, or gripping
  • Reduced strength or confidence using the arm
  • Swelling or tenderness around the elbow

These symptoms are especially common in athletes and individuals who perform repetitive arm movements.

How do elbow ligament injuries occur?

Elbow ligament injuries may occur due to:

  • Repetitive stress (e.g. throwing, racket sports, manual work)
  • Sudden force or trauma
  • Falls onto an outstretched arm
  • Progressive degeneration over time

Some ligament injuries develop gradually rather than from a single event.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

Ligament injuries are commonly missed because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Early symptoms may resemble muscle or tendon strain
  • Pain may be intermittent rather than constant

Without advanced imaging, the extent of ligament damage can be difficult to determine.

Why is MRI important when a ligament injury is suspected?

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 an elbow ligament injury is suspected.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows assessment of:

  • Partial versus complete ligament tears
  • Ligament degeneration or thickening
  • Associated tendon, cartilage, or bone injury
  • Joint effusion or instability-related changes

Why are examination and X-rays insufficient?

Clinical tests may suggest instability but cannot:

  • Confirm the severity of ligament damage
  • Identify partial tears
  • Detect associated internal injuries

X-rays assess bone alignment but not soft tissue integrity.

What happens if a ligament injury is not accurately diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Elbow instability may persist
  • Pain may become chronic
  • Performance or work capacity may decline
  • Secondary joint damage may develop over time

Early MRI helps guide appropriate rehabilitation or further management.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange?

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 and additional referrals.

These barriers frequently delay diagnosis.

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 for suspected elbow ligament injury?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Elbow pain or instability persists despite treatment
  • Pain occurs during throwing, lifting, or pushing
  • The diagnosis remains uncertain after initial assessment

MRI helps move care from assumption-based management to precise, evidence-based diagnosis.

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

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