HAMSTRING INJURIES - RADIOGRAPHIC, CONVENTIONAL TOMOGRAPHIC, CT, AND MR-IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS

PURPOSE: To review experience with the imaging features of hamstring i njuries.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging findings in 18 male and four fe male patients with clinically proved hamstring injuries were reviewed. The patients' ages ranged from 13 to 61 years (mean, 26 years). Radio graphy, conventional tomography, computed tomography (CT), and magneti c resonance (MR) imaging were performed.RESULTS: Plain radiographs obt ained less than 1 week after injury were normal or showed avulsion of an ischial apophysis. Plain radiographs and conventional tomograms obt ained more than 1 week but less than 3 months after injury were confus ing, because callus and osteolysis were present. CT helped identify a healing avulsion of an ischial apophysis. MR imaging was helpful no ma tter how long after the injury it was performed. It provided a means t o evaluate muscle, tendon, and bone. CONCLUSION: Familiarity with the variable appearance of hamstring injuries over time and with different modalities facilitates accurate characterization.