MRI analysis of and factors related to knee injuries in amateur marathon runners

Abstract

Background Marathons are the most challenging form of running, and amateur athletes may be more prone to injury due to a lack of professional knowledge and instruction in running. Purpose To analyze the MRI manifestations of and factors related to knee injuries in amateur marathon runners. Subjects Data were collected from a hospital database of 105 qualified amateur marathon athletes (65 males,40 females), between May 2018 and December 2021. Field strength/sequence 1.5T MR: sagittal fs-PDWI, sagittal T1WI and sagittal 3D-DESS sequence. Assessment The MRI manifestations of knee joint injury were analyzed and evaluated by two radiologists. Statistical tests The inter-observer agreement on MRI readings was analyzed using the kappa coefficient, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with knee injuries. Results The overall prevalence of knee cartilage lesions, meniscus lesions and bone marrow edema among amateur marathon runners was 45.7%, 72.4%, and 49.5% respectively. Our analysis revealed that older age (OR = 1.135, P<0.001), higher BMI (OR = 1.236, P = 0.044), and slower pace (OR = 2.305, P = 0.017) were associated with increased risk of articular cartilage disease. Furthermore, older age (OR = 1.425, P<0.001) was identified as a risk factor for meniscal lesions, while older age (OR = 1.088, P = 0.002) was bone marrow edema. Notably, no significant correlation was observed between knee joint injuries of amateur marathon athletes and gender or the monthly running distance (P>0.05). Conclusions The occurrence of knee injuries among amateur marathon athletes was highly prevalent, with the patellofemoral joint cartilage and posterior horn of medial meniscus being frequently affected areas. Moreover, age, BMI, running years and pace were significant risk factors of knee joint injury.