Using low field MRI for quick, effective and accessible diagnoses of injuries in football (soccer)

Euro 2024 is upon us so – so let’s take a moment to look at how MRI can be used in the treatment of injuries in the beautiful game.

Football or soccer (depending on which part of the world you live in) is a highly demanding sport that requires players to be in peak physical condition. As a result, injuries are a common occurrence among football players, ranging from minor strains to more severe fractures. When injuries occur, it is important for players to receive an accurate diagnosis in order to begin appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

One imaging technique that has become particularly useful in diagnosing football injuries is low field extremity MRI. This type of MRI uses a lower magnetic field strength compared to traditional high field MRI machines, which makes it accessible and lower cost for smaller clinics and sports medicine practices.

Low field extremity MRI is particularly well-suited for diagnosing injuries to the extremities, such as the knees, ankles and wrists which are common sites of injury for football players. This imaging technique provides good quality images of the soft tissues and bones in these areas, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis of injuries like ligament tears, cartilage damage, and stress fractures.

As well as being more cost-effective, low field extremity MRI machines are also much smaller and portable This makes them particularly well-suited for use in athletic settings, such as football stadiums and training facilities.

In addition to providing detailed images of the injury itself, MRI also helps clinicians assess the extent of the damage and plan appropriate treatment strategies. For example, a football player with a torn ACL may require surgery and physical therapy, while a player with a minor sprain may only need rest and rehabilitation.

Another benefit of low field extremity MRI is that it is non-invasive and does not expose patients to ionising radiation, making it a safe and effective imaging option for athletes of all ages. Additionally, the shorter scan waiting times low field MRI machines offer mean that patients can undergo imaging quickly and get prompt results, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment.

Overall, the use of low field extremity MRI in diagnosing football injuries can revolutionise the way sports medicine practitioners approach the assessment and management of these common injuries. By providing good quality images, accurate diagnoses, and efficient results, this imaging technique has become an invaluable tool in the care of football players and other athletes.