When You Should Not Delay an MRI Scan for Elbow Pain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is elbow pain often difficult to diagnose accurately?

The elbow is a complex joint involving:

  • Multiple tendons and ligaments
  • Articulating joint surfaces
  • Closely positioned nerves
  • High functional demand during daily activities

Many elbow conditions produce overlapping symptoms and cannot be reliably diagnosed by examination or X-rays alone.

What are the key red flags that mean MRI should not be delayed?

You should not delay an MRI scan if you experience:

  • Elbow pain not improving after conservative treatment
  • Pain following a fall, impact, or traumatic injury
  • Suspected ligament injury or joint instability
  • Persistent medial elbow pain (e.g. golfer’s elbow not improving)
  • Persistent lateral elbow pain (e.g. tennis elbow not improving)
  • Locking, catching, clicking, or mechanical symptoms
  • Progressive stiffness or loss of range of motion
  • Suspected tendon tear (biceps, triceps, or common tendons)
  • Swelling or joint effusion without a clear cause
  • Numbness, tingling, or radiating symptoms
  • Ongoing pain despite normal X-rays
  • Persistent pain after elbow surgery
  • Planning for elbow injections or procedures

These scenarios suggest internal joint, tendon, ligament, or nerve pathology that requires precise imaging.

Why is MRI the preferred imaging modality for elbow pain?

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 in these scenarios.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows detailed evaluation of:

  • Tendons and ligaments
  • Cartilage and joint surfaces
  • Bone marrow and occult fractures
  • Joint inflammation and internal derangement

Why are X-rays and clinical examination often insufficient?

X-rays primarily assess:

  • Fractures
  • Alignment
  • Advanced arthritis

They cannot:

  • Visualise tendon or ligament tears
  • Detect cartilage injury
  • Identify bone marrow oedema or subtle stress injury

Clinical examination alone cannot visualise internal joint structures.

What are the consequences of delaying MRI for elbow pain?

Delaying MRI may result in:

  • Prolonged pain and reduced arm function
  • Repeated ineffective physiotherapy or injections
  • Delayed return to work, sport, or daily activities
  • Progression of tendon or joint damage

Early MRI often shortens the overall treatment journey by guiding targeted, evidence-based care.

Is MRI safe?

Yes. MRI:

  • Does not use ionising radiation
  • Is considered safe when performed according to standard medical protocols
  • Can be repeated when clinically indicated

What about cost and access concerns?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave and insurance.
  • Delays elsewhere: Many patients experience long waiting times when referred to external imaging centres.

Timely access is often critical for effective diagnosis and recovery.

Why choose The Pain Relief Clinic for your elbow MRI?

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 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.

What is the key takeaway for patients with elbow pain?

When elbow pain persists, worsens, or affects daily function, accurate diagnosis matters. MRI moves care away from assumption-based treatment and toward precise, evidence-based management aligned with modern medical standards.

For more information or to arrange an MRI scan, contact The Pain Relief Clinic via WhatsApp at +65 9068 9605.

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