MRI analysis of and factors related to knee injuries in amateur marathon runners.

Abstract

BackgroundMarathons are the most challenging form of running, and amateur athletes may be more prone to injury due to a lack of professional knowledge and instruction in running.PurposeTo analyze the MRI manifestations of and factors related to knee injuries in amateur marathon runners.SubjectsData were collected from a hospital database of 105 qualified amateur marathon athletes (65 males,40 females), between May 2018 and December 2021.Field strength/sequence1.5T MR: sagittal fs-PDWI, sagittal T1WI and sagittal 3D-DESS sequence.AssessmentThe MRI manifestations of knee joint injury were analyzed and evaluated by two radiologists.Statistical testsThe inter-observer agreement on MRI readings was analyzed using the kappa coefficient, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with knee injuries.ResultsThe overall prevalence of knee cartilage lesions, meniscus lesions and bone marrow edema among amateur marathon runners was 45.7%, 72.4%, and 49.5% respectively. Our analysis revealed that older age (OR = 1.135, P0.05).ConclusionsThe occurrence of knee injuries among amateur marathon athletes was highly prevalent, with the patellofemoral joint cartilage and posterior horn of medial meniscus being frequently affected areas. Moreover, age, BMI, running years and pace were significant risk factors of knee joint injury.