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) – medial (inner) elbow stability
  • Radial Collateral Ligament (RCL) – lateral (outer) elbow stability

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

What symptoms suggest a possible elbow ligament injury?

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain on the inner or outer side of the elbow
  • A feeling of looseness or instability
  • Pain during throwing, lifting, pushing, or gripping
  • Weakness or reduced power
  • Pain that worsens with repetitive or forceful use

In athletes, symptoms often occur during throwing or overhead activities.

How do elbow ligament injuries occur?

Common causes include:

  • Acute trauma such as a fall onto an outstretched arm
  • Repetitive stress from throwing or racquet sports
  • Sudden forceful movements or heavy lifting
  • Gradual overload leading to ligament degeneration

Some injuries develop over time without a single clear incident.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

Ligament injuries may be overlooked because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Early symptoms may mimic tendon or muscle strain
  • Physical examination findings can be subtle

Without advanced imaging, partial ligament tears or instability may go undiagnosed.

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 detailed evaluation of ligament integrity, partial versus complete tears, associated tendon injury, cartilage damage, and joint inflammation.

Why are examination and X-rays insufficient?

Clinical tests may suggest instability but cannot:

  • Confirm ligament tearing
  • Define the severity of injury
  • Identify associated internal damage

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

What happens if a ligament injury is not accurately diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Elbow instability may persist
  • Pain may worsen with activity
  • Functional strength may decline
  • Recurrent injury risk increases

MRI helps guide appropriate rehabilitation and management decisions.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave or insurance.
  • Delays elsewhere: Many imaging centres require referrals and involve long waiting times.

These factors often delay definitive 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
  • Symptoms recur with activity

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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