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Elbow: Anatomy and MRI Optimization

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MRI of the Upper Extremity

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Abstract

The elbow is formed by the articulations between the distal humerus, proximal ulna, and proximal radius. This complex joint produces motion of a synovial hinge joint and a pivot joint providing humans with a distinct evolutionary advantage: the ability to throw. However, such movement places great mechanical force upon the small joint, necessitating reinforcement by the adjacent ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fascial planes that function in concert to stabilize the elbow. This chapter will review conventional elbow anatomy and common anatomic variations. This is followed by a discussion of MR imaging optimization, with a review of patient positioning, protocols, technical parameters, and study selection.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Virtual Radiologic, Eden Prairie, MN, USA

    Eira S. Roth

  2. Department of Radiology, Imaging Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Lulu He

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  1. Eira S. Roth
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  2. Lulu He
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Correspondence to Eira S. Roth .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Imaging Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Bethany U. Casagranda

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Roth, E.S., He, L. (2022). Elbow: Anatomy and MRI Optimization. In: Casagranda, B.U. (eds) MRI of the Upper Extremity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81612-4_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81612-4_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-81611-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-81612-4

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