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) on the inner (medial) side
  • Radial collateral ligament (RCL) on the outer (lateral) side
  • Supporting capsular ligaments around the joint

These ligaments are essential for elbow stability during lifting, gripping, and throwing motions.

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, pushing, or lifting
  • Reduced strength or confidence in 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:

  • Acute trauma or falls
  • Repetitive throwing or overhead activities
  • Sudden valgus or rotational stress to the elbow
  • Gradual overuse in sports or work activities

Not all ligament injuries involve a single clear injury event.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

These injuries may be overlooked because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Symptoms can mimic tendon or muscle strain
  • Physical examination findings may be subtle

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

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

Why are examination and X-rays insufficient?

Clinical examination may suggest instability but cannot:

  • Confirm the extent of ligament damage
  • Distinguish partial from complete tears
  • Identify associated internal joint pathology

X-rays assess bone alignment but not soft tissue structures.

What happens if a ligament injury is not properly diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Elbow instability may persist
  • Pain may become chronic
  • Functional limitations may worsen
  • Recovery may be delayed

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 multiple referral steps.

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 is associated with instability
  • Symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment
  • Pain occurs during throwing, lifting, or pushing

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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