Sports Specific Injuries

Lawrence M. White, M.D., F.R.C.P.C.

“Sport is…human life in microcosm…”

-Howard Cosell

Participation in sporting activities is growing on an annual basis, with rising levels of achievement in sports redefining athletic performance boundaries. A substantial number of sports and exercise participants suffer injuries each year, and it is widely believed that sports injuries are becoming more and more prevalent, with more than 10 million sports injuries treated each year in the United States alone.

The nature of sports-related injuries are extremely varied. However, distinct patterns of musculoskeletal injury are seen associated with specific athletic pursuits. These patterns of injury are often related to unique biomechanics and associated physiologic stress/demands placed upon the musculoskeletal system in specific sports. Imaging of these injuries plays a fundamental role in the accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in sports medicine.

In putting together this issue of Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology I have had the privilege to call upon a talented group of radiologists with experience and expertise in the evaluation of sports-related injuries of the musculoskeletal system. In contrast to publications focused upon imaging of anatomic sites or specific joints, each of the authors in this issue has focused their contributions on musculoskeletal injuries associated with specific sporting activities. Although not inclusive of all sports, the articles of this issue review sport injuries encountered in weightlifting, football, overhead throwing, rock climbing, golf and racquet sports, alpine skiing and snowboarding, rowing, and soccer. Each sport-specific article provides background with regard to the unique biomechanics and pathophysiology of injuries, highlighting the clinical features of such injuries and their imaging manifestations.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the publisher and editors of Seminars for inviting me to serve as guest editor for this issue, as well as to each of the authors for their participation and excellent contributions. I sincerely hope that readers of the journal will find this issue informative and useful in broadening their understanding and evaluation approach to sport-specific injuries of musculoskeletal system in clinical practice.