MRI of the elbow demonstrates increased signal intensity of the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon, consistent with tendinosis (previously referred to as “tendinitis”) and thus the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis, or “tennis elbow” (image 1).
Superimposed upon this, is the presence of a more focal area of increased signal, consistent with a large partial thickness tear (image 2).
Further image also demonstrates increased bone marrow signal secondary to increased fluid (image 3).
The tendon disease is also seen in the short axis views, again as an area of tendinosis (image 4) with the partial tear seen slightly lower on the subsequent slice (image 5).
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