Role of MRI in diagnosis of knee injuries in footballers

Abstract

MRI findings are essential to diagnose the severity of ligament tears in knee injuries in footballers. By using Magnetic Imaging Resonance we can accurately make diagnose and can determine the extent of damage to tissues and ligaments by grading them according to injuries. Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine the MRI findings in patients of knee injuries in football players. MethodS: A multicenter descriptive study conducted at University of Lahore Teaching hospital and National hospital during 4 months period. All symptomatic football players of both genders and age ranging from 16-40 year are included in this study. Our calculated sample size is 80. 1.5T MRI machine used for scans. All images were Proton density and T2 weighted images. Results: This study includes 80 footballers complaining knee pain. Mean age of all subjects was 31.4 +, - 5.7 year. Among 80 patients who had knee injuries, 56 patients (70%) had ACL injuries, 14 patients (17.5%) had PCL injuries, 14 patients (17.5%) had LCL injuries, 8 patients (10%) had MCL injuries, 24 patients (30%) had LM injuries, and 31 patients (38.8%) had MM injuries. Conclusion: MRI is useful imaging modality for the detection of soft tissue injuries most commonly sports injuries. It gives more accurate and detailed information of ligaments and muscle tears than any other modalities. In our study most common injuries that are detected by MRI are ACL tear, bucket handle tear of medial meniscus and MCL injuries. PCL injuries are less common than ACL injuries.