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A Novel Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Published on: September 17, 2013
Early knee changes in dancers identified by ultra-high-field 7 T MRI
G Chang1, M Diamond2,3, G Nevsky1
1Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|January 26, 2013
Summary
Ultra-high-field 7 Tesla MRI detected hidden medial meniscus injuries in asymptomatic female dancers. These occult lesions, similar to early osteoarthritis, highlight the need for monitoring dancers' knee health.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Asymptomatic knee injuries in dancers are a concern.
- Ultra-high-field MRI may detect subtle joint abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of 7 Tesla MRI in identifying occult cartilage and meniscal injuries in asymptomatic female dancers.
- To compare knee joint findings between pre-professional dancers and non-athletic controls.
Main Methods:
- Eight pre-professional female dancers and nine female controls underwent 7 Tesla MRI of the dominant knee.
- Three-dimensional fast low-angle shot and proton density, fast spin-echo sequences were used.
- Radiologists assessed cartilage and meniscal lesions using standardized classifications.
Main Results:
- No cartilage lesions were observed in either group.
- Dancers showed significantly higher medial meniscus MRI scores and a greater frequency of grade 2 lesions compared to controls (P < 0.0001).
- No significant differences were found in the lateral meniscus between dancers and controls.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic female dancers exhibit occult medial meniscal lesions detectable by 7 Tesla MRI.
- These findings resemble early osteoarthritis, suggesting proactive knee health monitoring and activity modification for dancers.
- Close surveillance of knee symptoms and function is recommended for long-term knee health in dancers.
