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Radiographic Imaging of the Elbow

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Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

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Abstract

The elbow joint is contained within a capsule the medial and lateral thickenings of which comprise the radial and ulnar collateral ligaments; ligamentous injury may occur with or without injury to the adjacent flexor or extensor tendons. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) provides both static and dynamic stability to the elbow acting as the primary medial stabilizer in flexion. The anterior band of the UCL is the primary stabilizer of the elbow against valgus stress. In this chapter, the normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) anatomy of the UCL is discussed as are the most common injuries to the anterior and posterior bands of the UCL. MRI images of normal anatomy, ligamentous injuries to the professional pitching athlete and injuries to the amateur competitor, to include Little Leaguer’s elbow, are shown.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radnet Inc., 1510 Cotner Ave., 90025, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Susie Muir MD

  2. Musculoskeletal Radiology, Radnet, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA

    John V. Crues III MD

  3. Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA, USA

    John V. Crues III MD

Authors
  1. Susie Muir MD
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  2. John V. Crues III MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Susie Muir MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA

    Joshua S. Dines

  2. Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA

    David W. Altchek

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Muir, S., Crues, J. (2015). Radiographic Imaging of the Elbow. In: Dines, J., Altchek, D. (eds) Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7540-9_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7540-9_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-7539-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-7540-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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