From paddle to pathology: A radiologic review of common pickleball-related injuries

Abstract

With pickleball's rapid rise in participation, there has been a parallel increase in pickleball-related injuries. This review focuses on a comprehensive overview of common pickleball-related injuries, emphasizing likely mechanisms of injury and corresponding radiologic manifestations. Musculoskeletal injuries make up the majority of pickleball-related afflictions, with trauma to other organ systems reported less frequently. Although not always necessary for diagnosis, imaging modalities, including plain radiography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging, can aid in identifying injury severity and guide effective treatment. Furthermore, understanding the distinct mechanisms of these injuries, including falls, sudden lateral movements, and direct contact with players or equipment, is also essential for effective and efficient recognition of these afflictions. By becoming familiar with the nature of pickleball-related injuries and their radiologic manifestations, radiologists can ultimately more accurately identify the imaging patterns amid the sport's growing popularity.