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) elbow
  • Annular ligament – supports the radial head during forearm rotation

Injury to these ligaments can lead to pain, instability, and reduced function.

What symptoms suggest a ligament injury of 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, pushing, or gripping
  • Reduced strength or confidence in the elbow
  • Pain that persists despite rest or physiotherapy

Ligament injuries are common in throwing sports and repetitive loading activities but can also occur after trauma.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

Ligament injuries may be missed because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Swelling and pain may mask instability early on
  • Symptoms may be attributed to muscle or tendon strain

Without imaging, partial ligament tears or chronic degeneration may remain undetected.

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 detailed evaluation of:

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

Why are clinical examination and X-rays insufficient?

Clinical tests can suggest ligament injury but cannot:

  • Confirm the extent of ligament damage
  • Differentiate partial from complete tears
  • Identify associated internal joint injury

X-rays assess bone alignment but do not visualise ligaments.

What happens if ligament injuries are not accurately diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Elbow instability may persist
  • Pain may become chronic
  • Performance in work or sport may decline
  • Secondary joint or tendon problems may develop

MRI helps guide appropriate rehabilitation or further 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 load-bearing
  • Symptoms recur or worsen 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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