Elbow imaging has undergone dramatic change in the past decade with the advent of MR imaging. This article focuses on the various forms of arthrography, including conventional arthrography and CT arthrography with an emphasis on MR arthrography.

As one evaluates the different uses of arthrography in the elbow, it becomes clear that many abnormalities seen in the elbow are a result of trauma, often from sports, such as baseball and tennis. Elbow problems are frequently related to the medial tension–lateral compression phenomenon where repeated valgus stress produces flexor-pronator strain, ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain, ulnar traction spurring, and ulnar neuropathy. The lateral compression causes osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum and radial head, degenerative arthritis, and loose bodies. Varus stress produces radial collateral ligament and extensor tendon injuries. Most of these abnormalities are not visualized on conventional radiographs.