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

Abstract

To determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography of the elbow can demonstrate precisely an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) abnormality in the throwing athlete. 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. 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. 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.