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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are ligament injuries of the elbow?

Elbow ligaments stabilise the joint during movement and load-bearing. The most commonly affected ligaments include:

  • Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) – medial (inner) elbow stability
  • Radial Collateral Ligament (RCL) – lateral (outer) elbow stability

Ligament injuries may range from stretching and partial tears to complete rupture.

What symptoms suggest an elbow ligament injury?

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain on the inner or outer side of the elbow
  • A feeling of instability or “giving way”
  • Pain during throwing, lifting, or pushing activities
  • Reduced strength or confidence in the arm
  • Swelling or tenderness around the joint

These symptoms often worsen with activity.

How do elbow ligament injuries occur?

Common causes include:

  • Repetitive throwing or overhead sports
  • Sudden forceful loading of the elbow
  • Falls onto an outstretched arm
  • Workplace or gym-related strain

Ligament injury may occur with or without a clear traumatic event.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

They are commonly missed because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Early symptoms may mimic tendon strain
  • Physical examination findings may be subtle

Without advanced imaging, partial ligament tears 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:

  • Ligament integrity and thickness
  • Partial versus complete tears
  • Associated cartilage or tendon injury
  • Bone marrow changes from stress or trauma

Why are examination and X-rays insufficient?

Clinical examination may suggest instability but cannot:

  • Confirm the extent of ligament damage
  • Identify partial tears
  • Detect associated internal injuries

X-rays assess bone alignment only.

What happens if ligament injury is not diagnosed accurately?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Pain and instability may persist
  • Repeated ineffective physiotherapy may occur
  • Sports or work performance may decline
  • Risk of chronic elbow instability increases

MRI enables targeted, evidence-based 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.

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
  • Symptoms worsen with throwing or lifting
  • Conservative treatment does not resolve symptoms

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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