Monitoring of Muscle and Tendon Repair

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has taken a prominent place in the diagnosis and classification of sports-related muscle injury. However, its role in follow-up and monitoring of muscle and tendon repair is still debated. Muscle injuries have a common nature and are most often self-limiting; therefore they are usually evaluated clinically and do not need further follow-up imaging. However, in certain high-stake cases, for instance in elite athletes, follow-up MRI visualizing the repair process of the damaged muscle and/or tendon would be of added value. This chapter gives an up-to-date overview on the role of conventional and advanced MR techniques in the process of monitoring muscle and tendon repair, in order to plan and guide optimal rehabilitation of the athlete.