Incidence of chronic knee lesions in long-distance runners based on training level: findings at MRI.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of chronic knee changes in long-distance runners based on the training status, including distance, running frequency, training pace, and running experience.


METHODS
MRI of the knee was performed in 26 non-professional runners 5 days after their last training unit. Lesions of the menisci and cartilage (5-point scale), bone marrow and ligaments (3-point scale), and joint effusion were evaluated. A total score comprising all knee lesions in each runner was evaluated. The incidence of the knee changes was correlated with the training level, gender, and age of the runners.


RESULTS
Grade 1 lesions of the menisci were found in six runners with a high training level, and in only four runners with a low training level. Grade 1 cartilage lesions were found in three high-trained runners and in one low-trained runner, and grade 2 lesions were found in one high-trained runner and in two low-trained runners, respectively. Grade 1 anterior cruciate ligament lesions were seen in three runners with a high- and in two runners with a low-training level. Runners with a higher training level showed a statistically significant higher score for all chronic knee lesions than those with a lower training level (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
MRI findings indicate that a higher training level in long-distance runners is a risk factor for chronic knee lesions.
Schueller-Weidekamm
Claudia
C
Department of Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. claudia.schueller-weidekamm@meduniwien.ac.at
Schueller
Gerd
G
Uffmann
Martin
M
Bader
Till
T
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D001317:Austria / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D015994:Incidence; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012307:Risk Factors; D012420:Running; D012737:Sex Factors