Tendon and Muscle Imaging in Sports

Abstract

Tendon and muscle lesions appear in manifold forms clinically as well as on magnetic resonance or ultrasound images. Tendinous abnormalities may be classified and staged with respect to their biomechanical role in a kinetic chain by using the concept of the tendon overuse syndrome (TOS). In the first phase, painful functional impairment of movements occurs without any morphological changes. In the second stage, abnormalities of the gliding tissue in the form of bursitis, tendovaginitis or peritendinitis are observed. In the third stage, such lesions are followed by degenerative changes of the tendon itself. Often, they present more clearly than during the early forms of TOS and three types of tendon degeneration can be differentiated: tendinosis at distinct points along the course of the tendon, fibroostosis at the tendon insertion and compression or impingement syndromes. Rupture of fibres following tendinosis may be considered as the last or fourth stage of TOS.