Magnetic resonance imaging of sports injuries of the elbow

Abstract

Many abnormalities seen in the elbow result from trauma, often from sports such as baseball and tennis. Elbow problems are frequently related to the medial tension-lateral compression phenomenon, where repeated valgus stress produces flexor-pronator strain, ulnar collateral ligament sprain, ulnar traction spurring, and ulnar neuropathy. Lateral compression causes osteochondral lesions of the capitellum and radial head, degenerative arthritis, and loose bodies. Other elbow abnormalities seen on magnetic resonance imaging include radial collateral ligament injuries, biceps and triceps tendon injuries, other nerve entrapment syndromes, loose bodies, osseous and soft-tissue trauma, arthritis, and masses, including bursae.