MR imaging of the knee in marathon runners before and after competition.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the findings in MRI-studies of the knee in recreational long-distance runners after competition and to assess the reversibility of the findings.


METHODS
Eight recreational long-distance runners underwent MRI studies of the knee before, immediately after and 6-8 weeks after taking part in the Vienna City Marathon. The studies were evaluated regarding alterations of pre-existing lesions and new pathological findings.


RESULTS
In six runners without major pre-existing alterations no negative effects were experienced. In one runner with pre-existing grade III alterations of the menisci, signs of progressive osteoarthritis were experienced 2 months after the competition. In all other cases increased meniscal signal alterations and minor signal changes in the bone marrow after the race were transitory.


CONCLUSIONS
In healthy individuals no negative long-term-effects were experienced. Pre-existing high-grade lesions of the menisci might be a predisposing risk for osteoarthritis, triggered by the stress of long-distance running.
Krampla
W
W
Department of Radiology, Danube Hospital, Langobardenstrasse 122, 1220 Vienna, Austria.
Mayrhofer
R
R
Malcher
J
J
Kristen
K H
KH
Urban
M
M
Hruby
W
W
D000328:Adult; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology; D004487:Edema / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012420:Running; D013582:Synovial Fluid; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology