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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Magnetic Resonance

MRI in acute muscle tears in athletes: can quantitative T2 and DTI predict return to play better than visual assessment?

Authors: J. D. Biglands, A. J. Grainger, P. Robinson, S. F. Tanner, A. L. Tan, T. Feiweier, R. Evans, P. Emery, P. O’Connor

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 12/2020

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the ability of quantitative T2, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and radiologist’s scores to detect muscle changes following acute muscle tear in soccer and rugby players. To assess the ability of these parameters to predict return to play times.

Methods

In this prospective, longitudinal study, 13 male athletes (age 19 to 34 years; mean 25 years) underwent MRI within 1 week of suffering acute muscle tear. Imaging included measurements of T2 and DTI parameters. Images were also assessed using modified Peetrons and British athletics muscle injury classification (BAMIC) scores. Participants returned for a second scan within 1 week of being determined fit to return to play. MRI measurements were compared between visits. Pearson’s correlation between visit 1 measurements and return to play times was assessed.

Results

There were significant differences between visits in BAMIC scores (Z = − 2.088; p = 0.037), modified Peetrons (Z = − 2.530; p = 0.011) and quantitative MRI measurements; T2, 13.12 ms (95% CI, 4.82 ms, 21.42 ms; p = 0.01); mean diffusivity (0.22 (0.04, 0.39); p = 0.02) and fractional anisotropy (0.07 (0.01, 0.14); p = 0.03). BAMIC scores showed a significant correlation with return to play time (R_s = 0.64; p = 0.02), but modified Peetrons scores and quantitative parameters did not.

Conclusions

T2 and DTI measurements in muscle can detect changes due to healing following muscle tear. Although BAMIC scores correlated well with return to play times, in this small study, quantitative MRI values did not, suggesting that T2 and DTI measurements are inferior predictors of return to play time compared with visual scoring.

Key Points

• Muscle changes following acute muscle tear can be measured using T2 and diffusion measurements on MRI.

• Measurements of T2 and diffusion using MRI are not as good as a radiologist’s visual report at predicting return to play time after acute muscle tear.

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Title: MRI in acute muscle tears in athletes: can quantitative T2 and DTI predict return to play better than visual assessment?
Authors: J. D. Biglands
A. J. Grainger
P. Robinson
S. F. Tanner
A. L. Tan
T. Feiweier
R. Evans
P. Emery
P. O’Connor
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 12/2020
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-020-06999-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

MRI in acute muscle tears in athletes: can quantitative T2 and DTI predict return to play better than visual assessment?

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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