Evaluating Sport Related Acute Skeletal Muscle Injuries Using Ultrasonography Assisted with 3-dimensional and Power Doppler Capabilities

Abstract

Introduction: In football players' muscle injuries can be either strain injuries or contusions most commonly in the thigh, groin and calf muscles. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical examination, diagnostic soft tissue ultrasonography and Magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of the work: The study aimed to assess the value of ultrasonography assisted with 3dimensional (3D) and power Doppler capabilities in evaluating acute muscle injuries among football players. Materials and Methods: 40 football players suffered from acute muscle injuries were subjected to 2D , 3D and power Doppler ultrasonography and follow up. Results: 16 football players were diagnosed as grade 1 muscle strain, 10cases were diagnosed as a grade 11 muscle strain and 4 cases as grade 111 muscle strain, 6 cases with muscle contusions, 3 cases with muscle lacerations and 1 case with compartmental syndromes. Among them, 12 cases showed intra muscular hematomas of anechoic and mixed echo pattern. All cases were followed up after conservative and surgical management. Conclusion: Ultrasonography with its new modalities is highly valuable in evaluating football players with acute muscle injury and making an optimal decision of management.