An in-depth study on the magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of tendon rupture in sports injuries and its correlation with patients' clinical symptoms

Abstract

Muscle injuries, such as Achilles and quadriceps tendon ruptures, pose a significant challenge in elite sports, accounting for more than 30% of all sports-related injuries. Our primary goal is to investigate the MR imaging characteristics of tendon rupture in sports injuries and their relationship with patients' clinical symptoms. In our retrospective study at Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Second Affiliated Hospital (Zhejiang Xinhua Hospital), we compared the clinical presentation and MRI results of 106 patients with isolated AT and QT ruptures. In the AT, the enthesis was identified as a common site of bony avulsions (30.2%). In contrast, insertional ruptures were more common in the gastrocnemius heads (69.8% and 66.0%). The low frequency of mid-substance tears (13.2% to 20.8%) demonstrated the central tendon region's inherent tensile strength. The ruptured musculotendinous junctions affected the soleus (20.8%). In QT, bony avulsions play a minor role (5.1% to 11.3%). The patella was the primary site of tears (42.2% - 45.3%), with the Vastus intermedius favoring proximal tears (58.5%). Our examination of AT and QT ruptures across sub-components sheds light on their distinct patterns and the implications for clinical practice in terms of precise diagnosis, personalized treatment, and, ultimately, better patient outcomes for these debilitating injuries.