The Clinician’s Point of View

1.8 Conclusions

The use of imaging techniques is an important tool for the sports physician in establishing the correct diagnosis and choosing the appropriate treatment procedures. In addition, imaging techniques can be useful for the evaluation and monitoring of the healing process and the early identification of complications.

Good communication between the radiologist and the sports physician is essential. The information the sports physician provides to the radiologist regarding the history of injury, athlete’s training program and physical examination will help the radiologist choose the correct imaging technique. The sports physician should also share his/her knowledge of the special demands of the sport involved and the effects that this has on the musculoskeletal system of the athlete.

The radiologist should have an interest in sport and be willing to spend some extra time with the athlete for a detailed history and to communicate with the referring sports physician. The department should be flexible enough to examine athlete within 24 h to 5 days, if warranted. Detailed feedback from the radiologist to the sports physician will help the latter to make the correct interpretation of any abnormalities and direct him/her towards the appropriate form of treatment.

It is only as a result of teamwork between the sports physician and the radiologist that an optimal outcome can be achieved.