Magnetic resonance imaging of sports injuries of the spine.

Spinal injuries are relatively frequent events in professional athletes. Greater popularity of recreational athletic activities has increased the occurrence of sports-related spinal injuries in the general population. The demand of high-intensity sports places a constant load on the vertebral column. Several studies have demonstrated higher prevalence of spinal abnormalities in athletes than nonathletes. Direct correlation of the number and extent of injuries with the length in years of sports activity has been established. Diagnostic imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays a crucial role in evaluating and detecting sports-related spinal injuries. Subtle bone marrow, soft-tissue, and spinal cord abnormalities, which may not be apparent on other imaging modalities, can be readily detected on MRI. Early detection often leads to prompt accurate diagnosis and expeditious management, in many cases avoiding unnecessary procedures. This article reviews the technical aspects of MRI for evaluation of the spine and the role of MRI in the assessment of sports-related spinal injuries.