Imaging MSK infections in athletes: sport-specific risks and pitfalls

Musculoskeletal infections in athletes mimic sports injuries; this review presents compartment-based MRI strategies, sport-specific risk factors (microtrauma, skin abrasions, procedures), and diagnostic pitfalls to guide early detection and management.

• MRI is central for early detection, assessing disease extent, and differentiating infection from sports injuries and postoperative changes.
• Sport-specific predisposing factors include repetitive microtrauma, skin abrasions, hematoma formation, close-contact environments, and sports-related procedures/surgery.
• Image-guided aspiration or biopsy remains essential for microbiologic confirmation and targeted therapy.

Automated summary

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