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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease
Published on: December 18, 2016
Tendon injuries of the lower extremity: magnetic resonance assessment
J H Mink1, A L Deutsch, R Kerr
1Section of Musculoskeletal Imaging, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Abstract:
MR is rapidly establishing itself as a premiere imaging modality for the assessment of musculoskeletal trauma. Its utility in the evaluation of the menisci and ligaments of the knee is well known, but there is far less known about the use of MR for evaluation of the tendons. MR, by virtue of its unmatched soft tissue resolution capability, can determine not only the contour of an affected tendon, but the tendon sheath and internal signal alterations that accompany tendonitis, partial and complete ruptures. Injuries to the Achilles tendon are well known to the athlete and the imager alike; however, abnormalities of the posterior tibial tendon, peroneal tendon, and flexor hallucis longus also result in significant clinical symptoms, as well as imaging abnormalities.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging excels in musculoskeletal trauma assessment, particularly for knee ligaments and menisci. This modality offers detailed evaluation of tendon injuries, including tendonitis and ruptures, by visualizing soft tissue details.
Area of Science:
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
- Medical Imaging Technology
- Orthopedic Diagnostics
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is a leading modality for musculoskeletal trauma.
- While MR's efficacy for knee menisci and ligaments is established, its application in tendon evaluation is less recognized.
- Tendon injuries present significant clinical and imaging challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of MR imaging in assessing various tendon injuries.
- To emphasize MR's capability in evaluating tendonitis, partial, and complete ruptures.
- To expand the understanding of MR's role beyond knee joint structures.
Main Methods:
- Review of MR imaging principles for soft tissue visualization.
- Analysis of MR signal characteristics in tendon pathology.
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical symptoms of tendon abnormalities.
Main Results:
- MR imaging provides superior soft tissue resolution for tendon assessment.
- It accurately delineates tendon contour, sheath abnormalities, and internal signal changes.
- MR identifies pathologies such as tendonitis and various degrees of tendon rupture.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is a valuable tool for diagnosing tendon injuries, including Achilles, posterior tibial, peroneal, and flexor hallucis longus tendons.
- Its detailed soft tissue contrast allows for precise characterization of tendon pathologies.
- Further utilization of MR in tendon evaluation is recommended for athletes and clinicians.
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