Radiographic Pitfalls in Diagnosis of Sports-Related Injuries

Purpose or Learning Objective: To highlight common pitfalls encountered in the interpretation of radiographs for sports-related injuries. Although radiographs remain the first-line imaging modality for many acute musculoskeletal injuries, certain fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue abnormalities can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. By identifying these pitfalls, radiologists and physicians can enhance patient care, avoid overlooked injuries, and increase diagnostic precision.

Methods or Background: Sports injuries frequently present with pain and limited function, often prompting initial radiographs. However, their sensitivity for detecting subtle fractures, stress injuries, and soft tissue abnormalities is limited. Common challenges are occult fractures (e.g., scaphoid, Lisfranc, and tibial plateau fractures), growth plate injuries in pediatric athletes, and the misinterpretation of normal anatomical variants as pathology. This poster reviews case-based examples that illustrate typical radiograph pitfalls and, where relevant, correlates them to advanced imaging (e.g., computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging).

Results or Findings: A systematic approach to interpreting radiographs in the context of sports injuries can significantly reduce misdiagnoses. Here are the key findings:

– Occult fractures: Scaphoid waist fractures, femoral neck stress fractures, and subtle tibial plateau fractures often require additional views or advanced imaging for confirmation.

– Dislocations and ligamentous injuries: Perilunate dislocation and Lisfranc injuries may be overlooked without careful scrutiny of alignment.

– Normal variants mimicking pathology: Bipartite patella and os trigonum may be mistaken for fractures.

– Growth plate injuries: Salter-Harris fractures in young athletes require careful assessment to avoid long-term complications.

– Soft tissue considerations: Joint effusions, fat pad signs, and subtle periosteal reactions may be the only radiographic clues to underlying pathology.

Conclusion: Although radiographs remain an essential tool in sports imaging, certain injuries may be prone to misinterpretation. Awareness of common pitfalls, combined with a structured review approach and appropriate use of adjunct imaging, enhances diagnostic confidence and patient outcomes. This poster aims to reinforce the best practices and improve radiographic interpretation of sports-related injuries.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
02. Juni 2025