The Munich Elbow Soft Tissue (MEST) classification—a magnetic resonance imaging-based treatment algorithm for simple elbow dislocations

Abstract The current literature compares very heterogeneous injury patterns in simple elbow dislocations and sometimes makes no distinction in the severity of soft tissue injuries (especially ligamentous versus musculoligamentous ruptures); thus, there is clearly a need for a simple and comprehensive classification system. The Munich Elbow Soft Tissue (MEST) classification is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based classification system for acute simple elbow dislocations that distinguishes two grades of severity— (1) isolated ligamentous injuries and (2) musculoligamentous injuries (complete disruption of ligaments and muscles)—with three subtypes each, based on the main pathology in relation to its location (lateral, medial, or bilateral). Furthermore, treatment recommendations are derived from this grading system.