PurposeTo describe and illustrate the spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of tibial stress injuries (TSI) and propose a simplified classification system.Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of MRI exams of 44 patients with clinical suspicion of unilateral or bilateral TSI, using a modified classification system to evaluate the intensity and location of soft-tissue changes and bone changes.ResultsMost of the patients were young athletic men diagnosed in late stage of TSI. Changes were predominantly found in the middle and distal parts of tibias along medial and posterior borders.ConclusionsTSI may be suspected in young, healthy patients with exertional lower leg pain. MRI is the only diagnostic method to visualise early oedematic signs of TSI. Knowledge of typical locations of TSI can be helpful in proper diagnosis before its evolution to stress fracture.

Among many degenerative abnormalities commonly found in spine imaging, not all are associated with the patient’s symptoms. We aimed to assess features of the standard, asymptomatic aging process of the spine. In this narrative review, we emphasize studies that describe imaging features of the spine in asymptomatic populations of different age groups. Degeneration of the intervertebral discs, bulging, and facet joint arthropathy have been documented in almost 90% of asymptomatic patients over 60 years of age. After the age of 40 years, nearly all patients have anterior and lateral vertebral osteophytes, whereas posterior osteophytes are found in a minority of them. There is a gradual increase in vertebral bone marrow fat composition with age with the acceleration of this process in women after menopause. The prevalence of these findings is common in asymptomatic populations and varies depending on the patient’s age. It is essential to differentiate likely natural and age-related findings from pathological abnormalities to make an accurate diagnosis.