Scholarlink

Abstract <p>Sports-related knee injuries are common and clinically consequential. Interpreting MR imaging through a biomechanical lens links injury patterns to the forces that produced them, improving the detection of subtle but prognostically important lesions. Characteristic osseous findings—contusions, subchondral/osteochondral fractures, and avulsions—act as “maps” of force vectors that distinguish compression from distraction mechanisms. In anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) trauma, bone bruise locations have kinematic associations (i.e., valgus-flexion–external rotation vs varus-flexion–internal rotation) and enable a targeted search for injuries involving functionally related structures, such as the menisci. The medial meniscus functions as a secondary stabilizer to anterior tibial translation. Therefore, peripheral vertical longitudinal tears and meniscocapsular ramp lesions are frequent companions of ACL rupture and may be overlooked without a mechanism-based approach. The lateral meniscus is vulnerable to radial/posterior root and peripheral capsular injuries during translational and compressive loading of the lateral compartment. Posterolateral corner structures resist varus and external rotation forces; unrecognized PLC injury compromises cruciate reconstruction and perpetuates rotatory instability. This review synthesizes biomechanical principles to provide a practical, pathophysiological framework for MRI interpretation and reporting. Applying this approach enhances diagnostic accuracy, guides surgical decision-making, and supports better outcomes for athletes with acute knee trauma.</p> Key Points <p><i>• Biomechanical principles provide a systematic framework for interpreting knee MRI after sports trauma, improving diagnostic accuracy and detection of subtle lesions.</i></p> <p><i>•&#xa0;Characteristic injury patterns on MRI often reveal the underlying traumatic mechanism, directing targeted evaluation of osseous structures, ligaments, tendons, and menisci.</i></p> <p><i>• Subtle injuries such as Segond fracture, ramp lesion, or posterolateral corner disruption may be overlooked without a mechanism–based interpretive approach.</i></p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Sports injury: biomechanical approach to interpretation of knee MRI

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月24日

查看全文
  • Ronald W. Mercer,
  • Zachary E. Stewart,
  • F. Joseph Simeone,
  • J. Rafael Terneira Vicentini,
  • Rene Balza,
  • William E. Palmer

摘要

Abstract

Sports-related knee injuries are common and clinically consequential. Interpreting MR imaging through a biomechanical lens links injury patterns to the forces that produced them, improving the detection of subtle but prognostically important lesions. Characteristic osseous findings—contusions, subchondral/osteochondral fractures, and avulsions—act as “maps” of force vectors that distinguish compression from distraction mechanisms. In anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) trauma, bone bruise locations have kinematic associations (i.e., valgus-flexion–external rotation vs varus-flexion–internal rotation) and enable a targeted search for injuries involving functionally related structures, such as the menisci. The medial meniscus functions as a secondary stabilizer to anterior tibial translation. Therefore, peripheral vertical longitudinal tears and meniscocapsular ramp lesions are frequent companions of ACL rupture and may be overlooked without a mechanism-based approach. The lateral meniscus is vulnerable to radial/posterior root and peripheral capsular injuries during translational and compressive loading of the lateral compartment. Posterolateral corner structures resist varus and external rotation forces; unrecognized PLC injury compromises cruciate reconstruction and perpetuates rotatory instability. This review synthesizes biomechanical principles to provide a practical, pathophysiological framework for MRI interpretation and reporting. Applying this approach enhances diagnostic accuracy, guides surgical decision-making, and supports better outcomes for athletes with acute knee trauma.

Key Points

• Biomechanical principles provide a systematic framework for interpreting knee MRI after sports trauma, improving diagnostic accuracy and detection of subtle lesions.

• Characteristic injury patterns on MRI often reveal the underlying traumatic mechanism, directing targeted evaluation of osseous structures, ligaments, tendons, and menisci.

• Subtle injuries such as Segond fracture, ramp lesion, or posterolateral corner disruption may be overlooked without a mechanism–based interpretive approach.