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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are elbow ligament injuries?

Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that stabilise the elbow joint. The main elbow ligaments include:

  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) – inner (medial) side
  • Radial collateral ligament (RCL) – outer (lateral) side
  • Lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) – important for elbow stability

Injury can occur due to trauma, repetitive strain, or excessive loading.

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, lifting, pushing, or gripping
  • Reduced strength or confidence using the arm
  • Swelling or tenderness around the joint

Symptoms may be subtle initially and worsen over time.

How do elbow ligament injuries commonly occur?

Ligament injuries may result from:

  • Repetitive overhead or throwing activities
  • Sudden valgus or twisting stress to the elbow
  • Falls onto an outstretched arm
  • Heavy lifting or forceful pushing

They are not limited to athletes and can occur in daily activities.

Why are elbow ligament injuries often missed initially?

Ligament injuries may be overlooked because:

  • X-rays do not show ligaments
  • Pain may be attributed to tendon or muscle strain
  • Physical examination findings can be non-specific

Without advanced imaging, partial tears or ligament degeneration may remain undiagnosed.

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 assessment of:

  • Partial versus complete ligament tears
  • Ligament degeneration or thickening
  • Associated tendon, cartilage, or bone injury
  • Joint effusion or instability-related changes

Why are clinical examination and X-rays insufficient?

Clinical examination may suggest instability but cannot:

  • Confirm ligament integrity
  • Determine the extent of tearing
  • Identify associated internal injury

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

What happens if a ligament injury is not accurately diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Pain may persist or worsen
  • Elbow instability may progress
  • Functional use of the arm may decline
  • Repeated ineffective treatments may occur

MRI helps guide appropriate and targeted 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: Many imaging centres involve referral steps and 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
  • Pain occurs during lifting, throwing, or pushing
  • X-rays are normal but symptoms continue

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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