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Bone marrow edema lesions in the professional runner
Peter R Kornaat1, Samuel K Van de Velde
1Samuel K. Van de Velde, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands. svandevelde@post.harvard.edu.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|February 22, 2014
Summary
Bone marrow edema (BME) is common in asymptomatic professional runners, often fluctuating during the season. These MRI findings do not necessarily correlate with clinical complaints or require training changes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- The clinical significance of bone marrow edema (BME) detected via MRI in professional runners is not well-established.
- Incidental BME findings in asymptomatic athletes warrant further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of BME lesions in asymptomatic professional runners.
- To analyze the clinical and radiological progression of these BME lesions over a running season.
Main Methods:
- A case series (Level of evidence, 4) involving 16 asymptomatic professional runners from a national middle- and long-distance running selection.
- MRI scans of the pubic bones, hips, knees, and ankles were performed pre-season and post-season.
- Preseason and postseason Lysholm scores were collected to assess clinical status.
Main Results:
- 14 out of 16 athletes presented with BME lesions (45 total) before the season, predominantly in the ankle and foot (69%).
- Over half of the BME lesions (58%) showed fluctuation, with new lesions appearing and old ones resolving.
- Clinical complaints during the season were minimal and not directly linked to the presence of BME lesions.
Conclusions:
- The majority of asymptomatic professional runners exhibit BME lesions on MRI, with significant lesion fluctuation observed.
- Incidental BME findings in this population should not automatically be attributed to clinical symptoms or necessitate modifications to training regimens.
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