MRI for tennis players – overuse injuries in tennis
Tennis players are prone to characteristic overuse injuries of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints. The APERTA 1T open MRI scanner enables precise diagnosis.
The most common conditions and recommended MRI scans
The list below includes common conditions in tennis players and the MRI protocols recommended for diagnosis.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
The most common condition – inflammation of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. MRI shows swelling of the extensor tendons and partial tears.
Recommended MRI examinations:- Elbow MRI with T2 fat-saturated protocols
- STIR sequences – detection of swelling
- Post-contrast T1 sequences (if chronic)
Rotator cuff tear (RC tear)
Repetitive serving causes microtraumas in the RC muscles. Full-thickness tears require surgery.
Recommended MRI examinations:- 1T multiplanar shoulder MRI
- T2 fat-saturated oblique coronal
- ABER sequences optional
Labrum tear (SLAP lesion)
Repeated serves can damage the upper part of the labrum. Diagnosis requires intra-articular contrast (arthro-MRI).
Recommended MRI examinations:- MR arthrography of the shoulder joint
- T1 fat-saturated sequences with gadolinium
- Oblique axial and coronal
TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex)
Damage to the triangular cartilage of the wrist in tennis players performing topspin.
Recommended MRI examinations:- High-resolution wrist MRI
- T2 fat-saturated 3D
- Optional MR arthrography of the wrist
Quadriceps tendinopathy
Explosive movements place strain on the knee tendons.
Recommended MRI examinations:- Knee MRI – T2 fat-saturated sagittal
- PD fat-saturated axial and coronal
Why is the 1T open MRI suitable for athletes?
- No width restrictions – bodybuilders, basketball players and hockey players of large build can be examined without any problems
- Comfortable position – the absence of a tunnel reduces post-injury stress
- Short scan time – most protocols take 15–25 minutes
- Specialist report – radiologist with experience in sports medicine
- MR-arthro option – intra-articular contrast for precise diagnosis
Are you a professional or amateur athlete?
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