If you get hurt while playing a sport, you might wonder whether the issue is a minor strain or something more serious, such as a torn ligament. Although a physical exam or an X-ray can reveal some injuries, others require a different type of imaging for an accurate diagnosis.
A sports injury MRI shows structures that are difficult to evaluate with those exams alone. Many injuries have similar symptoms, including pain and limited movement, so it can be tricky to determine which muscle, tendon, ligament, or joint is actually injured and to what extent. Scheduling an MRI in Brooklyn, NY, can provide those answers, but everything starts with knowing when your symptoms warrant one and what you can expect to learn from the procedure.
Why MRI Scans Are So Useful for Sports Injury Diagnosis
Sports injuries are common, even among people who don’t necessarily consider themselves serious athletes. A National Health Statistics Report estimated that about 8.6 million sports- and recreation-related injuries occurred annually in the United States from 2011 through 2014. Lower-extremity injuries accounted for 42% of those injuries, while upper-extremity injuries accounted for 30.3%.
Researchers report that soft-tissue injuries account for 30% to 50% of all sports-related injuries, with muscle injuries the most common. However, these injuries don’t always show up on X-rays, which are best for viewing bones. It’s common for X-rays to come back “normal” even when there is a severe injury to the soft tissue, which is why many providers opt to schedule MRI exams for sports injuries instead.
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to build detailed, cross-sectional images of your body’s internal structures. It provides much better contrast between soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other structures, making it easier to diagnose injuries involving joints and surrounding soft tissues. It’s especially helpful when pain persists or when a doctor needs to determine the location and severity of the damage.
What Can an MRI Show in an Injured Muscle?
Muscle injuries are common in sports (accounting for up to 55% of all sports injuries) and most often affect the foot, leg, or back. Muscle injuries usually occur when tissue is stretched beyond what it can withstand.
At first, many muscle injuries feel similar, making it hard to tell whether it’s a mild strain or a full tear. Imaging can eliminate the guesswork. A sports injury MRI is also advisable when symptoms are severe; for example, if you experience a popping or tearing sensation or notice significant swelling or bruising. Weakness or difficulty putting weight on an injured limb may also justify further evaluation.
An MRI also lets a provider grade muscle injuries. A radiologist can spot edema (fluid buildup from inflammation), hematoma (internal bleeding), and the fiber disruption that separates a Grade 1 strain from a Grade 3 full tear.
Using MRI To Detect Tendon Damage
Tendons connect muscles to bones, and they can become irritated, weakened, partially torn, or completely ruptured as a result of a sports injury. For example, Achilles tendon problems may cause pain around the heel or ankle, particularly after running or jumping. Shoulder pain in swimmers, tennis players, and baseball players may involve the rotator cuff or another tendon. MRI can reveal the condition of these structures much more clearly than an X-ray.
A sports injury MRI for a suspected tendon injury is often critical to developing an effective treatment plan. Partial tendon tears often heal with rest and physical therapy, while full ruptures more often require surgical repair.
Diagnosing Ligament Tears With a Sports Injury MRI
Ligaments connect bones and help stabilize joints. When a joint twists or receives a forceful impact, a ligament may stretch or tear.
Ligament tears are especially common in sports that require a lot of cutting or pivoting, like football and soccer. The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy reports that about 200,000 athletes sustain anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and that around 100,000 ACL reconstruction procedures are performed annually.
MRI can identify ligament sprains and tears; research shows that MRI detects ACL tears with over 90% sensitivity, making it highly effective for diagnosis. Images can also show the extent of the injury.
Get Answers With an MRI in Brooklyn, NY
MRI doesn’t treat an injury. It’s part of the diagnostic process. Still, seeing what is happening inside the body can make a major difference to your treatment and recovery.
If persistent pain keeps you from your routine, talk with your healthcare provider about whether a sports injury MRI could help identify the cause. City Wide Radiology can provide imaging support when your provider needs a closer look. We also offer MRI for whiplash injuries, so if your symptoms stem from a collision, we can provide timely imaging to help your provider diagnose the injury and plan treatment.
Book an appointment online, or call (718) 236-6800 to learn more. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to answer all your questions about sports injury MRI in Brooklyn.
Is MRI Better Than an X-ray for Sports Injuries?
It depends on the suspected injury. X-rays are excellent for evaluating many bone injuries, while MRI provides much more detail about muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other soft tissues. Your provider may recommend one test or both depending on your symptoms.
Is Open MRI as Accurate as Traditional MRI for Diagnosing Sports Injuries?
Many modern open MRI systems can produce diagnostic-quality images, although image quality can vary by system and body part. The main difference is comfort, as open MRI is ideal for patients with claustrophobia or larger body types.
How Do I Know if I Need an MRI?
You may need an MRI if you felt a pop at the moment of injury, noticed rapid swelling or bruising, can’t bear weight, or if the pain hasn’t improved after a couple of weeks of rest. A minor pulled muscle usually improves on its own within a few days to a couple of weeks.