Enthesis and microtraumatisms in sports

This paper reports on MR imaging in the diagnosis and assessment of enthesitic injuries. Two hundred sixty sports adherents with enthesitic pathologies (Achilles tendon, n = 126; patellar tendon, n = 134) underwent MR imaging (T1-, T2-weighted, T1-Gd-DOTA). MR imaging revealed morphologic changes and indicated alterations of tendons. This technique has the advantage of simultaneously depicting the paratendinous and the bone base-associated lesions. T1-Gd-DOTA increased the accuracy. MR imaging is also a very effective means of visualizing postoperative recurrences. MR imaging appears to be an excellent investigative tool for the complete diagnosis of enthesitic pathologies and as a guide for their treatment