Diagnostics of sports injuries
Mechanism of trauma
![](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=134x1024:format=jpg/path/s8390c56f8a934205/image/i7d8f26dbd7d99727/version/1387125383/image.jpg)
The mechanism of knee injury, swelling after injury and current pain give important information about which structures of the knee can be injured.
Clinical examination
![](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=176x1024:format=jpg/path/s8390c56f8a934205/image/iea8363db2193b5f5/version/1387125724/image.jpg)
A detailed and well performed clinical examination is the most important pillar of diagnostics. Here the extent and degree of injury can be already well identified.
A variety of diagnostic tests are used to assess the integrity of structures and identify injuries to the cartilage, meniscus, bone or ligaments.
Radiographs
![](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=176x1024:format=jpg/path/s8390c56f8a934205/image/i066ec4fdae1c0413/version/1387125721/image.jpg)
Radiographs (anterior-posterior and lateral, patellar skyline view) are the primary imaging in patients after knee injuries.
These help to identify fractures or bony avulsions.
MRI
![](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=176x1024:format=jpg/path/s8390c56f8a934205/image/i97eb0b79b9cedd1d/version/1387125713/image.jpg)
In contract to conventional radiographs MRI is the imaging of choice for suspected injuries to the meniscus, cartilage or ligaments.
Here you find an image of a knee after ACL reconstruction.
Others
![](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=176x1024:format=jpg/path/s8390c56f8a934205/image/i3051cc8e2859951a/version/1387125736/image.jpg)
In special cases, such as after previous surgery, additional imaging can be helpful to establish the correct diagnosis.
SPECT/CT a combination of a 3D scintigraphy (SPECT) and a computerized tomography (CT) can be useful in cases when a biological problem (e.g. chronic synovitis due to degradation of resorbable screws) is suspected.
Stress radiographs can be helpful in cases of a chronic or multidirectional instability.