Citation

Faletti C, Larciprete M, Balocco P, Giudice G. J. Sports Traumatol. Rel. Res. 1999; 21(1): 11-24.

Affiliation

Faletti, C., Radiologia Diagnostica, Ospedale C.TO., 10126 Torino, Italy

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Kurtis Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Imaging is of decisive importance in the diagnosis of tendon disorders. Its various methods, in fact, allow an assessment to be made of their degree of involvement in acute traumatic injuries and their morphological changes in chronic forms. Use can be made of Selvanetti et al.'s classification (12) to secure both the correct evaluation of alterations and uniformity in the symptomatology of tendon disorders, since it is based on anatomical criteria and applicable to all tendons. Our diagnostic procedure initially employs ultrasonography coupled with conventional radiography and in consideration of patients at high risk, such as footballers, and in doubtful cases magnetic resonance tomography. Its high spatial and contrast resolution, together with the execution of scans in several planes, ensures a precise balance of extension useful for the correct planning of the therapeutic protocol. Computed tomography (CT), on the other hand, even with the spiral method, appears to be of little assistance on account of both its poor contrast resolution and its type of axial acquisition. In conclusion, diagnosis by imaging displays high specificity and sensitivity in the study of bone and muscle diseases and in particular in tendon disorders that in association with the clinical examination, which in any event remains of primary importance, allows fine evaluation of tissues damaged with reduction of the risks of an overhasty return to competitive sport.