Imaging Techniques and Procedures in Sports Injuries

Abstract

In the evaluation of sport injuries, clinical findings may be non-specific and radiological imaging is often necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis. This chapter describes the different imaging modalities available to evaluate sports injuries (radiography, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) as well as technical considerations and indications. Radiography is useful as a screening tool for bony abnormalities, such as degeneration or fractures. (Cone beam) CT can visualise these bony abnormalities even better or, combined with arthrography, may reveal labral or tendon abnormalities. US and MRI are able to visualise superficial and deep soft-tissue lesions, respectively. The optimal imaging pathway should be tailored to the patient and depends of the patient, radiologist and clinician.