David Alan Rubin MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jonathan Craig Baker MD, Presenter: Research Consultant, Biomedical Systems

William E. Palmer MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

1) Understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of radiographs, ultrasound, CT and MR in the evaluation of suspected injuries to the anterior chest wall structures, and use this information to logically direct an imaging evaluation. 2) Understand the anatomy of the anterior chest wall musculature and its relevance to the imaging patterns of injuries, together with how that information assists treatment planning. 3) Recognize and characterize the common and less common injuries in the abdominal and pelvic wall musculature and supporting pelvic ligaments.  

The imaging of sports injuries to the extremities, joints, groin, spine, and head receive much attention. Nevertheless athletic injuries to the trunk also occur with some frequency. The thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic walls form the body's central core. The thoracic wall includes the ossified and cartilaginous parts of the ribs together with the clavicles and sternum, which provide a protective cage for the vital chest organs, as well as a site of origin for the chest wall muscles. In turn, these powerful muscles are responsible for the large movements of the upper extremities and for stabilizing the upper body during twisting motions. Similarly, the abdominal and pelvic wall muscles and supporting ligaments anchor the trunk and lower extremities to the spine and pelvis, while stabilizing the body during locomotion and limb movements. Each of these bone and soft tissue structures are susceptible to direct blunt force trauma in contact and collision sports and to indirect stretching injuries during running, cutting, throwing, kicking, and related activities. There is growing understanding of the role of the thoracoabdominal musculoskeletal structures in sports, with training regimens now incorporating "core strengthening" as an important pillar. The recognition, staging, therapy, and rehabilitation of these injuries are likewise becoming more sophisticated. This refresher course will review the role imaging plays for these injuries, emphasizing the added value of advanced imaging modalities for diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognostication.  

Rubin, D, Baker, J, Palmer, W, Sports Injuries in the Chest and Abdominal Wall: A Core Curriculum of the Body's Core.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/13010811.html