This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on elbow MRI.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 1. 1, Ulna. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. 4, Supinator muscle. 5, Extensor digitorum muscle. 6, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 7, Brachoradialis muscle. 8, Radius. 9, Pronator teres muscle. 10, Flexor carpi radialis muscle. 11, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 12, Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 13, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 1. 1, Ulna. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. 4, Supinator muscle. 5, Extensor digitorum muscle. 6, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 7, Brachoradialis muscle. 8, Radius. 9, Pronator teres muscle. 10, Flexor carpi radialis muscle. 11, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 12, Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 13, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 2. 1, Ulna. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. 4, Supinator muscle. 5, Extensor digitorum muscle. 6, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 7, Brachoradialis muscle. 8, Radius. 9, Brachialis muscle. 10, Pronator teres muscle. 11, Flexor carpi radialis muscle. 12, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 13, Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 14, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 3. 1, Ulna. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. 4, Supinator muscle. 5, Extensor digitorum muscle. 6, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 7, Brachoradialis muscle. 8, Radius. 9, Brachialis muscle. 10, Pronator teres muscle. 11, Flexor carpi radialis muscle. 12, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 13, Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 14, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 4. 1, Ulna. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. 4, Supinator muscle. 5, Extensor digitorum muscle. 6, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 7, Brachoradialis muscle. 8, Radius. 9, Brachialis muscle. 10, Pronator teres muscle. 11, Flexor carpi radialis muscle. 12, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 13, Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 14, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 5. 1, Ulna. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. 4, Supinator muscle. 5, Extensor digitorum muscle. 6, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 7, Brachoradialis muscle. 8, Radius. 9, Brachialis muscle. 10, Pronator teres muscle. 11, Flexor carpi radialis muscle. 12, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 13, Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 14, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 6. 1, Ulna. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Extensor digitorum muscle. 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Brachoradialis muscle. 6, Radial head. 7, Brachialis muscle. 8, Pronator teres muscle. 9, Flexor carpi radialis muscle. 10, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 11, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 7. 1, Ulna. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Extensor digitorum muscle. 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Brachoradialis muscle. 6, Brachialis muscle. 7, Pronator teres muscle. 8, Flexor carpi radialis muscle. 9, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 8. 1, Humerus. 2, Ulna. 3, Anconeus muscle. 4, Extensor digitorum muscle. 5, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 6, Brachoradialis muscle. 7, Brachialis muscle. 8, Pronator teres muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 9. 1, Humerus. 2, Ulna. 3, Anconeus muscle. 4, Extensor digitorum muscle. 5, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 6, Brachoradialis muscle. 7, Brachialis muscle. 8, Pronator teres muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 10. 1, Humerus. 2, Ulna. 3, Anconeus muscle. 4, Extensor digitorum muscle. 5, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 6, Brachoradialis muscle. 7, Brachialis muscle. 8, Pronator teres muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 11. 1, Humerus. 2, Ulna. 3, Extensor digitorum muscle. 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Brachoradialis muscle. 6, Brachialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 12. 1, Humerus. 2, Ulna. 3, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 4, Brachoradialis muscle. 5, Biceps brachii muscle. 6, Brachialis muscle. 7, Pronator teres muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 13. 1, Medial epicondyle (Humerus). 2, Triceps tendon. 3, Lateral epicondyle (Humerus). 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Brachoradialis muscle. 6, Biceps brachii muscle. 7, Brachialis muscle. 8, Pronator teres muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 14. 1, Medial epicondyle (Humerus). 2, Muscle triceps. 3, Lateral epicondyle (Humerus). 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Brachoradialis muscle. 6, Biceps brachii muscle. 7, Brachialis muscle. 8, Pronator teres muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 15. 1, Medial epicondyle (Humerus). 2, Olecranon fossa. 3, Muscle triceps. 4, Lateral epicondyle (Humerus). 5, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 6, Brachoradialis muscle. 7, Biceps brachii muscle. 8, Brachialis muscle. 9, Pronator teres muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 16. 1, Medial epicondyle (Humerus). 2, Olecranon fossa. 3, Muscle triceps. 4, Lateral epicondyle (Humerus). 5, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 6, Brachoradialis muscle. 7, Biceps brachii muscle. 8, Brachialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 17. 1, Humerus. 2, Triceps muscle (Long head). 3, Triceps muscle (Medial head). 4, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 5, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 6, Brachoradialis muscle. 7, Biceps brachii muscle. 8, Brachialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 18. 1, Triceps muscle (Long head). 2, Triceps muscle (Medial head). 3, Humerus. 4, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 5, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 6, Brachoradialis muscle. 7, Biceps brachii muscle. 8, Brachialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 19. 1, Triceps muscle (Long head). 2, Triceps muscle (Medial head). 3, Humerus. 4, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 5, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 6, Brachoradialis muscle. 7, Biceps brachii muscle. 8, Brachialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted axial view. Image 20. 1, Triceps muscle (Long head). 2, Triceps muscle (Medial head). 3, Humerus. 4, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 5, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 6, Brachoradialis muscle. 7, Biceps brachii muscle. 8, Brachialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 1. 1, Triceps tendon. 2, Olecranon.3, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle. 4, Anconeus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 2. 1, Olecranon.2, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 3, Triceps tendon. 4, Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 5, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.. 6, Anconeus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 3. 1, Olecranon.2, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 3, Triceps tendon. 4, Humerus. 5, Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 6, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle. 7, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. 8, Anconeus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 4. 1, Olecranon. 2, Humerus. 3, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 4, Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 5, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle. 6, Extensor digitorum muscle. 7, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. 8, Anconeus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 5. 1, Ulna. 2, Lateral epicondyle. 3, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 4, Medial epicondyle. 5, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 6, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle. 7, Supinator muscle. 8, Extensor digitorum muscle. 9, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 6. 1, Ulna. 2, Radial head. 3, Lateral epicondyle. 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Olecranon fossa. 6, Medial epicondyle. 6a, Common flexor tendon. 7, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 8, Humerus. 9, Triceps muscle (Medial head). 10, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 11, Supinator muscle. 12, Extensor digitorum muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 7. 1, Ulna. 2, Radial head. 3, Lateral epicondyle. 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Olecranon fossa. 6, Pronator teres muscle. 6a, Common flexor tendon. 7, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 8, Supinator muscle. 9, Extensor digitorum muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 8. 1, Ulna. 2, Radial head. 3, Humerus. 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Pronator teres muscle. 5a, Common flexor tendon. 6, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 7, Supinator muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 9. 1, Ulna. 2, Radial head. 3, Humerus. 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Pronator teres muscle. 6, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 7, Supinator muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 10. 1, Radial head. 2, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 3, Capitellum. 4, Trochlea. 5, Pronator teres muscle. 6, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 7, Supinator muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 11. 1, Radius. 2, Radial head. 3, Capitellum (Humerus). 4, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 5, Brachoradialis muscle. 6, Brachialis muscle. 7, Pronator teres muscle. 8, Flexor carpi radialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 12. 1, Extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis muscle. 2, Brachoradialis muscle. 3, Brachialis muscle. 4, Pronator teres muscle. 5, Flexor carpi radialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 13. 1, Supinator muscle. 2, Extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis muscle. 3, Brachoradialis muscle. 4, Brachialis muscle. 5, Pronator teres muscle. 6, Flexor carpi radialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted coronal view. Image 14. 1, Cephalic vein. 2, Brachoradialis muscle. 3, Brachialis muscle. 4, Basilic vein. 5, Pronator teres muscle. 6, Flexor carpi radialis muscle. 7, Extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 1. 1, Radial head. 2, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 3, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 4, Cephalic vein. 5, Brachoradialis muscle. 6, Supinator muscle. 7, Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 2. 1, Radial head. 2, Supinator muscle. 3, Anconeus muscle. 4, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 5, Biceps brachii muscle. 6, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 7, Cephalic vein. 8, Capitellum.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 3. 1, Radial head. 2, Supinator muscle. 3, Anconeus muscle. 4, Capitellum. 5, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 6, Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. 7, Biceps brachii muscle. 8, Cephalic vein. 9, Brachoradialis muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 4. 1, Radial head. 2, Supinator muscle. 3, Anconeus muscle. 4, Capitellum. 5, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 6, Biceps brachii muscle. 7, Brachialis muscle. 8, Cephalic vein.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 5. 1, Radial head. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Humerus. 4, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 5, Biceps brachii muscle. 6, Brachialis muscle. 7, Biceps brachii tendon.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 6. 1, Radial head. 2, Anconeus muscle. 3, Humerus. 4, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 5, Biceps brachii muscle. 6, Brachialis muscle. 7, Biceps brachii tendon.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 7. 1, Ulna. 2, Trochlea. 3, Humerus. 4, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 5, Biceps brachii muscle. 6, Brachialis muscle. 7, Ulnar artery and vein.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 8. 1, Olecranon. 2, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 3, Humerus. 4, Biceps brachii muscle. 5, Brachialis muscle. 6, Ulnar artery and vein. 7, Pronator teres muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 9. 1, Olecranon. 2, Triceps tendon. 3, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 4, Humerus. 5, Biceps brachii muscle. 6, Brachialis muscle. 7, Median cubital vein. 8, Brachial artery and vein. 9, Pronator teres muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 10. 1, Olecranon. 2, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 3, Humerus. 4, Biceps brachii muscle. 5, Brachialis muscle. 6, Brachial artery and vein. 7, Trochlea. 8, Coronoid process. 9, Pronator teres muscle. 10, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 11. 1, Olecranon. 2, Trochlea. 3, Humerus. 4, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 5, Brachial artery and vein. 6, Brachialis muscle. 7, Coronoid process. 8, Pronator teres muscle. 9, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 10, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 12. 1, Olecranon. 2, Trochlea. 3, Humerus. 4, Triceps tendon. 5, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 6, Brachialis muscle. 7, Coronoid process. 8, Pronator teres muscle. 9, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 10, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 13. 1, Olecranon. 2, Trochlea. 3, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 4, Brachialis muscle. 5, Pronator teres muscle. 6, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 7, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI of the Elbow: T1-weighted sagittal view. Image 14. 1, Olecranon. 2, Trochlea. 3, Triceps muscle (lateral head). 4, Brachialis muscle. 5, Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. 6, Flexor digitorum profundus muscle.
MRI Examination of the Elbow
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the procedures used in examining the joints(1).
Common elbow afflictions are associated with sports injuries(2). Joint disorders and injuries, such as fractures, sprains, arthritis, dislocation, and bursitis (bone cushion disorder), are diagnosed using MRI scans.
Anatomy of the Elbow
The elbow is one of the hinge-type synovial joints in the body or the joints that connect two or more bones and can be flexed or extended(3).
The ulna (long bone of the forearm), humerus (long bone of the arm from the shoulder), and radius (two large bones of the forearm) are the three bones that make up the elbow(4).
These bones are connected by medial collateral (connective tissue inside the elbow) and lateral collateral (connective tissue outside the elbow) ligaments(5).
Tendons connect these bones to the muscle of the arm(6). The elbow’s essential tendons attach to the biceps (muscle in front of the arm) and triceps (muscle at the back of the arm) of the forelimb.
All the nerves that travel from the shoulder across the elbow signal the muscles to work and relay sensations, like temperature, touch, and pain(7).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI scan provides a non-invasive examination of the internal organs and structures using magnetic fields and computer-generated radio waves to capture a three-dimensional anatomical image(8-9).
Compared to computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays, MRI scans present more detailed images of the spinal column, the brain, nerves, ligaments, and tendons(10). MRI images are typically used to examine shoulder and knee injuries(11).
MRI scan is also useful in the diagnosis of tumors, spinal cord disorders, aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury(12).
The MRI examination of the elbow must include images of the radial and ulnar ligaments, synovium (the soft tissue that lines the tendons and joints), bursae (a fluid-filled sac lining the synovial membrane), and nerves(13).
This procedure may provide a fast identification of abnormalities in the bones, joints, and other parts of the elbow(14).
Elbow Disorders and Injuries
Sometimes the ligaments, tendons, bones, or muscles attached to the elbow become inflamed, causing pain(15).
The pain may also be caused by overuse due to hobbies, sports, jobs, or everyday chores that require arm movements(16). However, it may also be associated with more severe joint injuries or disorders.
Elbow Strains
A tear in the fibers of the ligament causes elbow strains(17). This fiber tearing is due to the lack of strength and flexibility of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support the elbow(18).
Overusing the elbow may result in the irritation, swelling, or tear of the tendons attached to the muscle and bone(19). Individuals experiencing elbow strains may have difficulty stretching and extending their arms.
An ice compress can help reduce the strain’s swelling, and wearing a sling for 48 hours may provide support to the injured area(20). If elbow pain ensues, a consultation with a doctor is advised.
Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Tennis elbow is caused by the tendons overloading due to the repetitive motions of the arms and wrist(21).
It is a more severe strain injury due to the frequent contraction of the forearm muscles(22). This injury may induce a series of small tears in the tendons attached to the muscles(23).
Tennis elbow is most common in carpenters, butchers, plumbers, and painters(24). People with epicondylitis or tennis elbow may have difficulty gripping objects(25).
Elbow Osteoarthritis
Elbow osteoarthritis happens due to the worn-out cartilage of the elbow(26). This condition may result from a previous injury, like an elbow fracture or dislocation(27).
Another cause of elbow osteoarthritis is the unstable elbow due to the injury to its ligaments(28). Symptoms like loss of range of motion and pain, may manifest in people with this condition.
Elbow osteoarthritis patients report locking and grating of the elbow. The grating sensation is caused by the cartilage wearing or damage, while locking may be due to the dislodged cartilage(29).
Steroid medications are mostly used to treat this disorder. However, some patients do not react positively to steroids. Instead, alternative treatments like an injection of hyaluronic acid may provide some pain relief(30).
Conclusion
MRI scans may provide a clear image of the elbow structures using a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to examine the skeletal system, tissues, and organs(31).
These MRI images may be used in the evaluation and diagnosis of injuries and disorders.
In evaluating the elbow structures, the bursae, ligaments, and synovium MRI images are essential to assess a disorder or injury(32).
- Sampath, S. C., Sampath, S. C., & Bredella, M. A. (2013). Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow: a structured approach. Sports health, 5(1), 34–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738112467941
- Medline Plus, (n.d.), Elbow Injuries and Disorders, retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/elbowinjuriesanddisorders.html
- Concepts of Biology, (n.d.), Joints and Skeletal Movement, retrieved from https://opentextbc.ca/biology/chapter/19-3-joints-and-skeletal-movement/
- Washington University Physicians, (n.d.), The Anatomy of the Elbow, retrieved from https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/Patient-Care/3151/Services/Shoulder-Elbow/Overview/Elbow-Arthroscopy-Information/The-Anatomy-of-the-Elbow.aspx
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Mayo Clinic, (n.d.), MRI, retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/about/pac-20384768
- NIH National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, (n.d.), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), retrieved from https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Mayo Clinic, MRI, Op. Cit.
- Sampath, C. S., Op. Cit.
- Ibid.
- Harvard Health Publishing, (n.d.), Quick fixes for aching elbows, retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/quick-fixes-for-aching-elbows#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20cause%20of,cause%20tendinitis%2C%22%20says%20Norby.
- Mayo Clinic, (n.d.), Elbow Pain, retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/elbow-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050874
- NYU Langone Health, (n.d.), Diagnosing Elbow Sprains & Strains, retrieved from https://nyulangone.org/conditions/elbow-sprains-strains/diagnosis#:~:text=Some%20elbow%20sprains%20and%20strains,during%20movement%20or%20at%20rest.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Michigan Medicine, (n.d.), Elbow Injuries, retrieved from https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/elbow#aa137159
- Mayo Clinic, (n.d.), Tennis elbow, retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tennis-elbow/symptoms-causes/syc-20351987
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ortho Info, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon, (n.d.), Osteoarthritis of the Elbow, retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-elbow/#:~:text=Osteoarthritis%20of%20the%20elbow%20occurs,cartilage%20from%20age%20and%20activity.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Mayo Clinic, Op. Cit.
- Sampath, C. S., Op. Cit.
