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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are ligament injuries of the elbow?

Ligament injuries involve damage to the structures that stabilise the elbow joint. The most commonly affected ligaments include:

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

These ligaments are essential for maintaining joint stability during lifting, gripping, and throwing activities.

What symptoms suggest a ligament injury in the elbow?

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain on the inner or outer side of the elbow
  • A feeling of looseness or instability
  • Pain during throwing, lifting, or pushing movements
  • Reduced strength or confidence using the arm
  • Swelling after activity

Symptoms may be subtle initially and worsen with continued use.

How do elbow ligament injuries occur?

Elbow ligament injuries may result from:

  • Repetitive stress (e.g. throwing or racket sports)
  • Sudden forceful loading of the elbow
  • Falls or trauma
  • Gradual degeneration with overuse

In many cases, there is no single obvious injury event.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

Ligament injuries may be overlooked because:

  • X-rays do not show ligament damage
  • Pain may be attributed to tendon strain or overuse
  • Clinical stress tests are limited by pain and guarding

Without advanced imaging, partial ligament tears or degeneration may remain undiagnosed.

Why is MRI important when an elbow 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 evaluation of:

  • Ligament integrity and continuity
  • Partial versus complete tears
  • Associated tendon, cartilage, or bone marrow changes
  • Joint effusion or secondary inflammation

Why are clinical examination and X-rays insufficient?

Clinical tests may suggest instability but cannot:

  • Confirm the presence or extent of ligament damage
  • Differentiate partial tears from degeneration
  • Identify associated internal joint pathology

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 become chronic
  • Performance in sport or work may decline
  • Secondary joint or tendon damage may develop

MRI helps guide appropriate management and activity modification.

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 referral steps.

These delays can prolong uncertainty and ineffective treatment.

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 persists despite treatment
  • Instability or weakness is present
  • Pain occurs during throwing, lifting, or pushing
  • X-rays are normal but symptoms continue

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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