Imaging of football injuries to the upper extremity

Imaging of football players is unique in many ways. Familiarity with mechanisms of injury, position of the player, and the need for rapid diagnosis and reporting will help radiologists when dealing with these athletes. Although plain radiographs are typically the first imaging modality used, MR imaging has become the cornerstone on which diagnoses and treatment decisions are based. As these athletes become stronger, faster, and more skilled, the ability to accurately assess their injuries becomes even more important, and understanding of the challenges that these patients present becomes critical.