Top 15 musculoskeletal lesions in the aging recreational sporter: a pictorial review

Abstract

Because of the increased life expectancy, the aging population can participate in recreational sports activities. The fact that activity is promoted as having a positive effect on mental and physical health is another factor that may contribute to a trend of increased participation in sports activities by middle-aged and older patients. Due to age-related degeneration of tendons, muscles, joints and decreasing Bone Mineral Density, the musculoskeletal (MSK) system in the aging patient is more vulnerable to trauma. Therefore, sports-related lesions are commonly encountered in the daily routine of most imaging departments. In our radiological practice, we have seen a trend for an increase in sport-related injury referrals particularly in a population aged 40 and over. Currently 10% of referrals for imaging studies for sport injuries are in patients older than 40-year-old. This article consists of a pictorial review of the imaging appearance of the most encountered MSK lesions in aging recreational sporters in a radiological practice according to their anatomical location. We have chosen the 15 most encountered acute and overuse sports-related lesions involving the lower and upper extremity that are referred to our department of medical imaging. We especially focus on the most characteristic imaging findings on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Because of the high prevalence of MSK lesions in older asymptomatic patients, imaging findings must be interpreted in conjunction with the clinical presentation.