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 of the elbow
  • Radial collateral ligament (RCL) – stabilises the outer (lateral) side
  • Annular ligament – stabilises the radial head during forearm rotation

Injury to these ligaments can lead to pain, weakness, or a feeling 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 that the elbow is unstable or “giving way”
  • Pain during throwing, lifting, pushing, or gripping
  • Reduced strength or confidence in using the arm
  • Swelling or tenderness around the joint

Symptoms may develop acutely after injury or gradually with repetitive stress.

How do elbow ligament injuries occur?

Ligament injuries may result from:

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

Not all ligament injuries are associated with a single obvious traumatic event.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

Ligament injuries may be overlooked because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Pain may be attributed to muscle strain or tendon problems
  • Clinical tests may not clearly identify partial tears

Without advanced imaging, the extent of ligament damage may remain unclear.

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:

  • Ligament integrity and thickness
  • Partial versus complete ligament tears
  • Associated tendon, cartilage, or bone injury
  • Joint inflammation or instability

Why are examination and X-rays often insufficient?

Clinical examination can suggest instability but cannot:

  • Confirm ligament tearing
  • Determine severity of injury
  • Identify associated internal damage

X-rays primarily assess bone alignment and cannot visualise ligaments.

What happens if a ligament injury is not accurately diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Elbow instability may persist
  • Pain may become chronic
  • Functional limitations may worsen
  • Risk of secondary joint damage may increase

MRI helps guide appropriate management and rehabilitation planning.

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 referral steps and long waiting times.

These factors 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, throwing, or gripping
  • 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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