MRI Scan Guide
Overview
An elbow MRI provides detailed images of the elbow joint, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage, nerves, and bones. It is the best imaging method for diagnosing soft tissue injuries and conditions of the elbow.
Elbow MRI is used to evaluate lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis and golfer elbow), ligament injuries (especially the ulnar collateral ligament in throwing athletes), nerve entrapment, and osteochondral lesions.
The scan is painless, radiation-free, and requires no special preparation.
The procedure
Your arm is positioned with the elbow centered in a dedicated coil. Depending on the scanner, you may lie on your back with your arm at your side or prone with your arm extended. Images are acquired over approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Diagnostic value
Preparation
No fasting is required.
Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top.
Remove watches, bracelets, and metal objects from the arm.
Inform the radiographer about any elbow hardware or implants.
Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are common in baseball pitchers and other throwing athletes. MRI can identify partial and complete UCL tears, which helps determine whether rehabilitation or surgical reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) is appropriate. MRI arthrogram may be used for more detailed ligament evaluation.
Understanding your results
Every Mira scan comes with two reports. A medical report from a radiologist for your doctor, and a miraclarity report for you. The miraclarity report explains your elbow MRI findings in straightforward language with visual guides, severity indicators, and recommended next steps.
No jargon. No waiting for another appointment just to understand what your scan found. miraclarity is included free with every scan.
Book your scan
Yes. MRI can show tendon degeneration, partial tears, and inflammation at the lateral epicondyle associated with tennis elbow.
A typical elbow MRI takes 30 to 45 minutes.
The ulnar collateral ligament stabilizes the inner elbow during throwing. MRI can detect partial and complete UCL tears and is the standard imaging test for this injury.
A knee MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the knee joint. Unlike X-rays, which show only bones, MRI reveals soft tissues including ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the meniscus. This makes it the primary diagnostic tool for knee injuries and conditions.
A brain MRI produces highly detailed images of the brain, brainstem, and surrounding structures. It is the preferred imaging method for evaluating neurological symptoms because it provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT and does not use ionizing radiation.
A lumbar spine MRI produces detailed images of the lower back, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most accurate non-invasive method for diagnosing causes of lower back pain.
A shoulder MRI provides highly detailed images of the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the shoulder joint. It is the most reliable non-invasive method for diagnosing shoulder injuries.