Radiology, Vol 197, 297-299, Copyright © 1995 by Radiological Society of North America

ARTICLES

Ulnar collateral ligament injury in the throwing athlete: evaluation with saline-enhanced MR arthrography

ML Schwartz, S al-Zahrani, RM Morwessel and JR Andrews
Department of Radiology, Health-south Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA.

PURPOSE: To determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography of the elbow can demonstrate precisely an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) abnormality in the throwing athlete. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty college-level and professional throwing athletes (age range, 18-40 years) underwent saline-enhanced MR arthrography of their injured elbows. MR findings were compared with the surgical findings. RESULTS: Saline-enhanced MR arthrography was positive in 24 of 26 individuals with UCL tear confirmed at the time of surgery. Eighteen (95%) of 19 complete UCL tears and six (86%) of seven partial UCL tears were diagnosed with MR arthrography. Two false-negative findings and no false-positive findings were obtained. CONCLUSION: Saline-enhanced MR arthrography of the elbow is a new application of a previously described technique used in the shoulder. It is useful for demonstration of subtle and gross UCL abnormalities in the throwing athlete.

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