Use of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Predict Clinical Outcomes After Core Muscle Injury Repair

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Core muscle injury (CMI), also known as sports hernia or athletic pubalgia, is a frequent cause of groin pain in athletes.
• Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly used imaging techniques for diagnosing CMI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether preoperative MRI findings can predict clinical outcomes following surgical repair of CMI.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study included 39 patients surgically treated for CMI.
• Patients were categorized based on preoperative MRI interpretation (positive or negative for CMI).
• Patient-reported outcomes, including pain (VAS) and activity scores (UCLA, modified Harris Hip), were collected pre- and post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Of 39 patients, 17 (44%) had positive MRI findings for CMI.
• Both groups showed significant improvement in UCLA activity scores post-surgery.
• Patients with positive MRI findings experienced significant pain reduction (VAS), unlike those with negative findings.

Conclusions:

• Surgery for CMI, diagnosed via clinical assessment and US, generally yields successful outcomes.
• Preoperative MRI may indicate a greater potential for postoperative pain improvement but does not predict activity level outcomes.