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What is the MRI interpretation of a golfer's elbow?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had golfer's elbow last 14 months. I am a tennis player and coach. Surgery seems like the only option left after trying everything else. I wonder if a doctor online can help me read the MRI pictures of my elbow and give me a brief update.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Looks like you have managed to upload only the initial cuts of a set of four to eight. I need to see the series on T1, T2, axials, sagittal and coronal views to comment. There must be over 60 to 80 images. By the way, have you tried PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection into the inflamed site (tennis elbow)? Have you changed your grip? Please upload the series for me to be able to help you.

Please ask if there are further queries.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have attached the files that you asked for. I have had cortisone injections but not PRP. I have looked into it, but I am not sure about a positive outcome. It had not changed anything. The pain just keeps getting worse. I have included more pictures, so hopefully, it will be enough for you.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Having looked at the films (attachments are hidden to protect the patient's identity), I feel there should be more. There are two things that are evident from these reports:

1) A small fluid collection in the elbow joint is indicative of some injury.

2) There seems to be more soft tissue and muscle inflammation on the inside, but no definitive capsular tear is visualized. There is clear evidence of a tear in the flexor group of muscles. Though typical findings of insertion inflammation and tear that define a golfer's elbow are not seen. Maybe I am missing some cuts here. Not much is seen on the outside of the tennis elbow side.

My suggested impression is that yes, you have a tear of the flexor group, but a typical golfers elbow lesion may be present but not seen.

  1. Are there any more cuts?
  2. Have you tried resting the elbow, and for how long?

Have you undergone any physiotherapy consultation and treatment of the tear? It is a small test and difficult to visualize and repair. I suggest you try the PRP injection first.

Hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Atul Prakash
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Published At February 3, 2023
Reviewed AtJune 23, 2026

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Dr. Atul Prakash

Orthopedician and Traumatology

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