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 joint 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
  • Lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) – contributes to rotational stability

Damage to these ligaments can significantly affect elbow 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 lifting, pushing, or gripping
  • Pain during throwing or overhead activities
  • Weakness or reduced confidence using the arm

Symptoms may worsen with activity and improve only temporarily with rest.

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 onto an outstretched hand
  • Traumatic twisting or impact injuries

Some injuries develop gradually rather than from a single event.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

Ligament injuries are commonly missed because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Pain may be attributed to tendon strain or “overuse”
  • Early instability may be subtle on examination

Without imaging, partial ligament tears or degeneration may go 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 assessment of:

  • Partial or complete ligament tears
  • Ligament degeneration or thickening
  • Associated tendon or cartilage injury
  • Joint effusion or bone marrow changes

Why are clinical examination and X-rays insufficient?

Clinical tests may suggest instability but cannot:

  • Confirm ligament integrity
  • Determine tear severity
  • Identify associated internal injuries

X-rays primarily assess bone alignment and fractures, not soft tissue stability.

What happens if elbow ligament injuries are not properly diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Elbow instability may persist
  • Pain may become chronic
  • Functional strength may decline
  • Return to work or sport may be delayed

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 barriers often delay accurate 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 or throwing
  • Functional weakness or instability is present

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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