The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine  2010;28(1):1-9

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diagnosis in Sports Injuries.

Seoung Oh YANG 1 ; Seon Kwan JUHNG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Sports injury; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Diagnosis

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is widely applied to diagnose sport-related injuries including bone and soft-tissue injuries. Because the MR characteristics of hydrogen nuclei depend upon on their local tissue environment, soft tissue structures of similar density may exhibit difference in signal intensity (brightness on image). This enables MRI to get high soft-tissue contrast resolution superior to other imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT). Advantages of MRI are its capacity to depict occult bone trauma or bone bruise and ligamentous or tendinous injuries that are not visible on conventional radiographs. MRI does not expose the patient to radiation dose, so it can be used safely for pediatric patients. In this review, we will discuss on the osseousand soft-tissue injuries of the extremities which could be helpful from MRI in various clinical situations.