Lésions musculo-aponévrotiques et tendineuses. Classification–explorations radiologiques

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to remind the classifications of sport-related myofascial and myotendinous lesions and to discuss the place of medical imaging (MRI and sonography). Muscular lesions are divided in extrinsic and intrinsic ones, whether they result from a direct impact or a brutal contraction or extension. O'Donoghue classification evaluates injury severity. Myofascial lesions may be peri-muscular, inter-muscular or intra-muscular. In tendinous lesions, we distinguish tendinosis, longitudinal intra-tendinous tears, partial and full-thickness tears. They occur from several origins: overuse tendinopathy, brutal pulling, direct impact, paratendinopathy by repetitive frictions or snapping. Medical imaging provides differential and positive diagnosis as well as injury severity, allowing evaluation of sports intermission. It allows evaluation of healing (doppler sonography and post-Gadolinium MR imaging). Doppler sonography performed by musculoskeletal radiologists has become more and more efficient and sufficient in a lot of cases. MR imaging is used in first or second intent, especially in professional sports and in serious conditions. It remains more accurate in small acute lesions, and in complex lesions, which are not rare in sport-related injuries.