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01-06-2017 | Original Article

Clinical interpretation of asymptomatic medial collateral ligament injury observed on magnetic resonance imaging in adolescent baseball players

Authors: Kenta Tanaka, Yoshikazu Okamoto, Takeshi Makihara, Kiyoshi Maehara, Tomohiro Yoshizawa, Manabu Minami, Masashi Yamazaki

Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology | Issue 6/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury of the elbow was often observed in asymptomatic adolescent baseball players. We aimed to clarify the clinical interpretation of “asymptomatic MCL injury observed on MRI” by comparing MRI, ultrasonography (US), and physical findings.

Materials and methods

Sixty-four asymptomatic adolescent baseball players (mean 11.2 years) were enrolled. An open-type 0.2T MRI was used. MCL function was evaluated by measuring the opening of the ulnohumeral joint using US. Physical findings included MCL tenderness, the moving valgus test, and the Milking test. The correlation between MRI and US, and MRI and physical findings were analyzed.

Results

Thirty-four subjects (53.1%) showed MCL injury by MRI. The mean laterality of the ulnohumeral joint opening showed no significant difference (P = 0.16) between the group with (0.29 ± 1.06 mm) and without (0.08 ± 0.96 mm) MCL injury on MRI. There was no correlation between MRI and physical findings except for a weak correlation between subjects with positive Milking test and MCL injury on MRI (φ coefficient = 0.3, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

‘Asymptomatic MCL injury on MRI’ had little correlation to ligament dysfunction. It might represent the transition period to MCL thickening called “adaptation.”

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Title: Clinical interpretation of asymptomatic medial collateral ligament injury observed on magnetic resonance imaging in adolescent baseball players
Authors: Kenta Tanaka
Yoshikazu Okamoto
Takeshi Makihara
Kiyoshi Maehara
Tomohiro Yoshizawa
Manabu Minami
Masashi Yamazaki
Publication date: 01-06-2017
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-017-0636-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Clinical interpretation of asymptomatic medial collateral ligament injury observed on magnetic resonance imaging in adolescent baseball players

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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