Radiological Evaluation of Sports Injuries: A Comprehensive Review of Advanced Imaging Techniques

Abstract

Background: The advancement of quantitative imaging techniques has revolutionized the assessment of musculoskeletal injuries in sports medicine. Traditional imaging modalities often fall short in evaluating subtle physiological and pathological changes, necessitating innovative approaches.

Methods: This review synthesizes recent findings from peer-reviewed research on various quantitative imaging modalities, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) T2 mapping, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) MRI, and Shear-Wave Elastography (SWE). Emphasis is placed on their applications in evaluating muscle physiology, perfusion, and the biochemical composition of damaged tendons and ligaments.

Results: Studies indicate that T2 mapping effectively quantifies water content in muscle tissue and correlates with histopathological changes post-injury. DTI has shown promise in detecting microstructural alterations in skeletal muscle fibers, facilitating early identification of muscle injuries. IVIM MRI has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing local microvascular blood perfusion, while SWE provides insights into the mechanical properties of tissues, aiding in the assessment of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). However, the clinical relevance of these techniques remains under investigation, with some studies reporting inconsistent predictive capabilities regarding return-to-play timelines.

Conclusion: Advanced quantitative imaging techniques offer significant potential for enhancing the clinical management of sports injuries. Their ability to provide objective, detailed assessments may improve injury prevention, treatment planning, and recovery monitoring. Future research should focus on validating these modalities in larger cohorts and establishing standardized protocols to integrate them into routine clinical practice.