Patterns of Musculoskeletal Injuries Secondary to Strenuous Physical Training, Assessed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Objective: To determine the pattern of musculoskeletal injuries incurred by physical training in patients and training personnel as assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Abbottabad Pakistan, from Sep 2021 to Jun 2022. Methodology: Patients from local institutes with rigorous training schedules for their students referred to the Radiology Department of Combined Military Hospital, Abbottabad for musculoskeletal Magnetic Resonance Imaging were included in the study. Data regarding duration of symptoms, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging I findings, site, nature and grading of injury, laterality, and associated features, were recorded for each patient. The nature of injuries, their grading, frequency, and relationship among different types of injuries were assessed. Results: Stress fracture of the lower limbs was the most common injury associated with physical training, with 28.6% (n=38/105) presenting mostly in the second half of training. Maximum patients presented with the highest grade of stress fractures; it was more common in females, seen in 90% at the time of presentation (n=9/10). Anterior cruciate ligament injury of the knee was the second most common injury (20%-n=21/105). Most patients with meniscal injuries had anterior cruciate ligament injury. Conclusion: Stress fractures and knee ligamentous injuries are the most common physical training-related injuries. The majority of female patients had stress fractures at their first presentation. Although less common, meniscal injuries were significantly associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury of the knee.

Keywords

• Fracture
• Ligamentous injuries
• Meniscal
• Stress fractures
• Physical training-related injuries.