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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 1997; 1(1): 127-141
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1080133
© 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

MR Imaging of Muscle Injuries

Lynne S. Steinbach1 , James L. Fleckenstein2 , Jerrold H. Mink3
  • 1Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
  • 2Algur H. Meadows Diagnostic Imaging Center and Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
  • 3Department of Musculoskeletal Imaging, St. Johns Hospital and Health Center, Los Angeles, California, and Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco
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Publication Date:
18 June 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Muscle pain related to exertion is common and the severity and significance can be difficult to assess clinically. Before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was available, scintigraphy, ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) were used to evaluate muscle trauma. MRI is now considered the primary imaging modality for detecting muscle injury and for determining the type of injury and degree of muscle involvement. It is highly sensitive to muscle edema and hemorrhage and can therefore be of aid in evaluating muscle injury. Because MRI is sensitive to tissue alteration that is not apparent clinically, it can also aid in optimal management of patients following trauma, and can be used to identify various sequelae.

KEYWORDS

Muscle, MRI - muscle, trauma - soft tissue, injury