Suspected Tendon Tear or Severe Tendinopathy Around the Elbow: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What tendon injuries can occur around the elbow?

The elbow is stabilised and powered by several key tendons. Commonly affected tendons include:

  • Common extensor tendon (lateral elbow / tennis elbow region)
  • Common flexor tendon (medial elbow / golfer’s elbow region)
  • Distal biceps tendon (front of the elbow)
  • Triceps tendon (back of the elbow)

Injuries may range from degeneration and partial tearing to complete tendon rupture.

What symptoms suggest a tendon tear or severe tendinopathy?

Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent elbow pain not improving with rest or physiotherapy
  • Pain with gripping, lifting, pushing, or pulling
  • Weakness or reduced strength in the arm
  • Pain localised to a specific tendon area
  • Sudden pain or loss of function after forceful activity

Severe tendinopathy and partial tears often behave differently from simple overuse strain.

Why do some elbow tendon problems fail to improve with standard treatment?

Tendon-related elbow pain may persist when:

  • There is structural tendon degeneration rather than inflammation
  • Partial tearing is present
  • Multiple tendons are involved
  • Treatment is based on assumption rather than confirmed diagnosis

Without identifying the exact tendon pathology, recovery can be prolonged.

Why is MRI important for suspected elbow tendon tears?

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 a tendon tear or severe tendinopathy around the elbow is suspected.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows detailed evaluation of:

  • Tendon integrity and thickness
  • Partial versus complete tears
  • Degree of degeneration
  • Surrounding inflammation or fluid
  • Associated muscle or bone involvement

Why are examination and ultrasound sometimes insufficient?

While examination and ultrasound can be helpful, they may not:

  • Fully assess deep or complex tendon pathology
  • Visualise associated bone marrow changes
  • Identify involvement of multiple structures

MRI provides a comprehensive view of all elbow structures in a single study.

What happens if tendon tears are not accurately diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Pain may become chronic
  • Strength and function may decline
  • Recovery may be significantly delayed
  • In some cases, tendon damage may progress

MRI helps guide appropriate treatment decisions and realistic recovery planning.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave or insurance.
  • Delay elsewhere: Many imaging centres involve referrals and long waiting times.

These delays can prolong uncertainty and ineffective treatment.

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 tendon injury?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Elbow pain persists despite appropriate treatment
  • There is weakness or loss of strength
  • Pain worsens with use rather than improving
  • A tendon tear is suspected clinically

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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