Imaging of the Professional Athlete (2026)-WEB04-2026

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar covered musculoskeletal imaging in elite and amateur athletes, focusing on how MRI findings influence diagnosis, treatment, and return-to-play decisions. Dr. Hollis Putter discussed throwing athletes, emphasizing that chronic overuse often causes plastic deformation of ligaments and capsules rather than acute rupture. He highlighted the value of non-contrast, cartilage-sensitive MRI and showed examples of shoulder, elbow, latissimus, subscapularis, MCL, and physeal injuries, including subtle avulsions, internal impingement, Bennett lesions, stress reactions, and osteochondral lesions.<br /><br />Dr. Ignacio Rossi then shifted to professional football/soccer pre-signing evaluations. He explained that imaging is central to transfer decisions because findings can affect contracts, finances, and long-term planning. He described common protocols used by clubs, especially MRI of the knees, with additional studies based on position and suspicion. Case examples illustrated how cartilage defects, osteochondral lesions, fibrous dysplasia, and fifth metatarsal nonunion changed negotiations or prevented signings.<br /><br />The discussion emphasized the need for radiologists to know sport-specific biomechanics, remain objective, communicate closely with team physicians, and include all relevant anatomy in imaging protocols. Both speakers stressed that in professional athletes, imaging has consequences beyond medicine and can shape careers and club investments.

Keywords

musculoskeletal imaging

elite athletes

MRI findings

return-to-play

throwing athletes

soccer pre-signing evaluations

cartilage defects

osteochondral lesions

sports medicine