No statistically significant difference was found among the findings for group 1, group 2, or the comparison group, although the difference between the comparison group and Ironman Triathletes approached statistical significance when evaluating for AC joint abnormal signal. Shoulder MRI of Ironman Triathletes should be interpreted with an appreciation of the commonly seen findings in asymptomatic subjects.
Purpose: To use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the knees of older (Ͼ35 years old), competitive Ironman triathletes to determine the prevalence of abnormal findings.
Materials and Methods:The knees of 29 Ironman triathletes (20 men, 9 women; age range, 35-66 years old) were studied by MRI. The findings were analyzed collectively and categorized into group I (N ϭ 13), subjects without prior knee injuries and symptoms, and group II (N ϭ 16), subjects with prior knee injuries and/or current symptoms.Results: Ten percent of the knees had ligamentous abnormalities, but the prevalence was not statistically different comparing group I to group II. Fifty-five percent had abnormal menisci. The overall prevalence of abnormal menisci was significantly higher in group II (69%) than in group I (38%, P Ͻ 0.05). Cartilage abnormalities were found in 21% of the triathletes with a higher prevalence in group II (31%) than in group I (8%, P Ͻ 0.05). Twenty-one percent (6/29) of the knees had bone contusions, with a higher prevalence in group II (31%) than in group I (8%, P Ͻ 0.05).
Conclusion:In general, the spectrum of abnormal MRI findings of the knee was no greater than age-related changes previously reported for other athletic populations and nonathletes. These results have important implications for the diagnostic use of MRI of the knee in this high-endurance, athletic population.
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