Elbow – UCL tear

CASE HISTORY

Pulling injury playing soccer with posterior pain. Evaluate for ligament tear. 

TECHNICAL FACTORS

Long- and short-axis fat- and water-weighted images were performed. 

KEY IMAGES

This case has no key images.

CASE FINDINGS

• The anterior proximal fibers of the anterior band of the UCL are swollen but intact. However as one moves in the posterior half of the anterior band of the UCL detachment of the proximal UCL is identified.  Occasionally synovial interdigitation will mimic detachment but not in this case. 
• Interstitial swelling of the UCL is noted with peeling of the UCL or partial millimeter-sized separation from the sublime tubercle of the ulna. 
• Diffuse swelling of the deep portion of the common flexor tendon including the flexor digitorum superficialis is present. 
• No traction spur is identified. 
• The LCL complex is spared. 
• No evidence of cubital tunnel syndrome.

CASE CONCLUSION

• Full-thickness but incomplete proximal anterior band UCL tear. 
• Peel-type separation of the distal superficial fibers of the anterior bundle of the UCL from the sublime tubercle without traction spur. 
• The transverse bundle of the UCL is intact. 
• The posterior bundle of the UCL is intact. 
• No cubital tunnel syndrome is identified.