Seminars in musculoskeletal radiology
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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol · Mar 2004
ReviewMagnetic resonance imaging of sports injuries to the cervical spine.
Fortunately, serious injuries to the cervical spine in athletes are rare. Most injuries are self-limited and related to sprains and strains. Although radiographs may be used to screen for fractures, potentially serious soft-tissue injuries require additional diagnostic techniques. ⋯ MRI is well suited to imaging the cervical spine and to evaluate injuries. This article reviews cervical spine imaging in the athlete, with an emphasis on MRI. It groups pathology into stability, impingement, and impairment and discusses causes and radiological assessment of each group.
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The accuracy of sonography in evaluating various conditions of the musculoskeletal system has been demonstrated and its utility as a primary diagnostic imaging modality in the musculoskeletal system in the United States has been increasing in frequency. Sonography is universally tolerated across a broad patient population, including pediatric and pregnant patients and those in whom traditional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is not an option, due either to absolute or relative contraindications. ⋯ With portable ultrasound units, examinations can be performed on the playing field, immediately at the time of the acute injury, for rapid diagnosis. Lastly, ultrasound can be used to guide for therapeutic procedures at the same time the diagnostic exam is performed.