Elbow MRI Protocol

"ELBOW MRI" SEQUENCES

• COR STIR
• COR T1
• COR PD FAT SAT
• AX PD 
• AX STIR
• SAG PD FS

• OPTIONAL-T1 SAG/ AXIAL

Post Contrast "MRI Elbow":

• Axial T1 Fat Sat
• Coronal T1 Fat Sat
• Sagital T1 Fat Sat

"ELBOW  MRI" ARTHROGRAM SEQUENCES

•  COR T1 FS
•  SAG T1 FS
•  AX T1 NON FAT SAT

"ELBOW  MRI" -Technical Notes:

• Make sure the coil is centered at  the olecranon
• Supine (or if a large patient in the Superman position)
• Try to have elbow fully extended
• Try to have hand supinated (palm up and put sandbag on hand)
• Elevate elbow with a sponge to isocenter (if supine)

Coronal T1
Coronal T1 and PD fat suppressed sequence are well suited for evaluation of collateral ligament and common extensor/flexor tendon group patholgy as well as epicondylitis.
COR PD FAT SAT

AXIAL T1
Axial T1 and PD FSE fat suppressed sequences evaluate the tendons of the Biceps Brachii and Brachiallis muscles transversely as they insert onto the Radius and Ulna respectively.  The distal Triceps tendon is also well evlauated in this plane.
AXIAL PD FAT SAT

T1 SAG
Sagittal T1 and PD FSE fat sat sequences evaluate the tendons of the Biceps Brachii and Brachiallis muscles as they travel distally to instert onto the Radius and Ulna respectively.  They also help evaluate the Radial head for radiographically occult fractures.  The distal Triceps tendon is also well evlauated in this plane.
PD FAT SAT SAG

ELBOW ARTHROGRAM
Coronal T1 fat saturated arthrogram is useful for evaluation of the collateral ligaments and cartilage surfaces.

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ELBOW MRI REFERENCE LINES