Imaging hamstring injury

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and ultrasonography (US) are the imaging modalities of choice for HMC injury as they provide exquisitely detailed information with respect to localization and characterization of injury, assessment of severity and an indication of the prognosis. The portability and availability of US make it an attractive modality for the diagnosis of acute hamstring injuries, but its effectiveness is dependent on operator experience. Imaging may not he necessary in all cases as clinical data may be enough to reach a diagnosis and decide on treatment. However, in those cases were the diagnosis is unclear or treatment is not achieving the expected results, imaging will provide valuable information about the nature of an injury and the effectiveness of treatment. Differentiating between injury and muscle soreness, identifying recurrent tears in the rehabilitating athlete, or diagnosing an acute injury against a background of prior chronic strain can be difficult clinically. The latter situation is often clouded by the presence of scar tissue within the muscle. In these situations, imaging particularly with ultrasound is required.