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Imaging modalities for evaluation of the elbow
What other imaging modalities are utilized for evaluation of the elbow?
The initial imaging evaluation should always start with radiography of the elbow. Radiographs will often detect the pathology and provide information about the bones, joint spaces, and soft tissues that may help guide further evaluation if necessary. MRI is the next most commonly utilized modality to evaluate the elbow after radiography. Computed tomography (CT) can provide fine bony detail better than MRI and may be beneficial to further characterize fractures in the setting of trauma. Ultrasonography (US) can be used to evaluate ligament and tendon pathology, the presence of joint effusions, and ulnar nerve pathology.