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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are elbow ligament injuries?

Ligaments are strong connective tissues that stabilise the elbow joint. The most commonly affected elbow ligaments include:

  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on the inner (medial) side
  • Radial collateral ligament (RCL) on the outer (lateral) side

Ligament injuries may range from mild sprains to partial or complete tears.

What symptoms suggest a ligament injury in the elbow?

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain on the inner or outer side of the elbow
  • A feeling of looseness or instability
  • Pain during lifting, gripping, or pushing
  • Pain during throwing or overhead activities
  • Reduced confidence using the arm

Symptoms may worsen with repeated use.

How do elbow ligament injuries occur?

Ligament injuries may result from:

  • Acute trauma or falls
  • Repetitive stress from throwing or racquet sports
  • Sudden forceful loading of the elbow
  • Progressive overuse over time

In some cases, injury develops gradually without a single clear event.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

Ligament injuries may be overlooked because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Swelling may be minimal
  • Symptoms can resemble tendon or muscle strain

Without advanced imaging, partial tears or ligament 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 assessment of ligament integrity, surrounding tendons, cartilage, and joint structures.

Why are examination and X-rays insufficient?

Clinical examination can suggest instability but cannot:

  • Confirm ligament tearing
  • Assess the severity of injury
  • Identify associated soft tissue damage

X-rays evaluate bones but do not visualise ligaments.

What happens if a ligament injury is not diagnosed early?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Elbow instability may persist
  • Pain may become chronic
  • Functional performance may decline
  • Secondary joint damage may occur

Early MRI supports appropriate and timely management.

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.

These barriers commonly 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
  • Pain worsens with loading or throwing
  • Symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment

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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