Magnetic Resonance Arthrography of the Elbow: A Narrative Review

Author(s): Marco Porta, Marco Calvi, Tonia Gatta, Gabriele Botta, Silvia Lamantea, Alberto Aliprandi, Giorgio Maria Calori, Eugenio Annibale Genovese

Magnetic Resonance Arthrography (MRA) is an advanced imaging modality to investigate elbow disorders. Its excellent contrast resolution enables the evaluation of elbow anatomy in particular capsule and ligaments. Magnetic Resonance Arthrography add further information about intra-articular pathology, compared to standard MR. The main applications of MRA of the elbow are the evaluation of capsule, ligaments, loose bodies and osteochondral lesions in both the settings of acute trauma, degenerative changes, and chronic injury due to repeated microtrauma and overuse. In this review, we discuss the normal anatomic findings, technical approach for image acquisition, and the main pathologic findings that can be encountered in MRA of the elbow. Intra articular injection modality both with fluoroscopy and ultrasound guidance and appropriate contrast medium selection will be widely discussed