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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main ligaments of the elbow?

The elbow is stabilised by several key ligaments, including:

  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) – provides stability on the inner (medial) side
  • Radial collateral ligament (RCL) – stabilises the outer (lateral) side
  • Annular ligament – supports forearm rotation

Damage to these ligaments can lead to pain, weakness, or a sense of instability.

What symptoms suggest a possible elbow ligament injury?

Common symptoms include:

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

In athletes, symptoms may appear gradually rather than after a single injury.

How do elbow ligament injuries occur?

Elbow ligament injuries may result from:

  • Falls onto an outstretched arm
  • Sudden forceful loading of the elbow
  • Repetitive throwing or overhead activities
  • Gradual overuse leading to ligament degeneration

Not all ligament injuries involve a dramatic injury event.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often difficult to diagnose clinically?

Ligament injuries are commonly missed because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Physical examination findings can be subtle
  • Pain may overlap with tendon or muscle conditions

Without imaging, partial tears or internal ligament damage may remain undetected.

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 thickening or degeneration
  • Associated cartilage or tendon injury
  • Joint effusion or bone marrow changes

Why are examination and X-rays often insufficient?

X-rays can assess bone alignment but cannot:

  • Visualise ligament integrity
  • Detect partial ligament tears
  • Assess associated soft tissue injury

Clinical examination alone cannot reliably determine the severity of ligament damage.

What happens if a ligament injury is not properly diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Elbow instability may persist
  • Pain may become chronic
  • Function and performance may decline
  • Compensatory movement patterns may develop

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: Many imaging centres involve referral steps and long waiting times.

These barriers commonly 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 lifting, gripping, or throwing
  • Diagnosis remains uncertain after initial assessment

MRI helps move care from assumption-based treatment 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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