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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2011; 15(3): 183-197
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1278419
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Bone Marrow Changes in Stress Injuries

Ana Navas1 , Ara Kassarjian2
  • 1Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
  • 2Corades, S.L., Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Publication History

Publication Date:
03 June 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Stress injuries and associated bone marrow changes are a common finding in athletes of all levels. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for detecting characterizing and staging these injuries. However, because bone marrow edema patterns may also be seen in asymptomatic athletes, it is imperative for the sports medicine physician and the radiologist to closely correlate the imaging findings with the clinical signs and symptoms to assess the clinical significance of the imaging findings. This article reviews the pathophysiology, MRI findings, and clinical implications of stress injuries in athletes.

KEYWORDS

Bone marrow edema - stress reaction - stress fracture - MR imaging/diagnosis - sports injuries

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Ana NavasM.D. 

Department of Radiology C2-S, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)

P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands

Email: A.Navas_Canete@lumc.nl