Imaging of basketball injuries

Abstract

Basketball-related injuries are surprisingly prevalent, as the sport is popular worldwide, among both men and women and across most age groups. Formerly considered a noncontact sport, basketball has evolved into an activity where body contact has increased, resulting in more injuries. Orthopedic injuries predominate in basketball and will be the principal focus of this chapter. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries. Findings at imaging directly impact clinical and surgical management and influence the time to return to play, particularly in high-level competitive athletes. Lower extremity injuries predominate in basketball, particularly at the knee, foot, and ankle, and will be the initial focus of this chapter. Injuries at the hip and pelvis, upper extremities, and in the spine and their respective findings at imaging will then be detailed.