Overview

GRADING MUSCLE INJURY Various grading systems suggested Example below based on athletic injury Full description often better than absolute grade

GRADEDESCRIPTIONMR IMAGING AT 24-48HRS Referred pain Focal muscle pain following exercise Generalised muscle pain Normal Normal Patchy diffuse signal Small myofascial tear Small MTJ tear

Involves fascial border, <10% CSA and <5cm CC Involves MTJ, <10% and <5cm. May have <1cm fibre disruption Moderate myofascial tearModerate MTJ tearModerate intratendinous tear Involves fascial border, <50% CSA and <15cm CC Involves MTJ, <50% and <15cm. May have <5cm fibre disruption Tendon involved <50% ,<5cm and no discontinuity Extensive myofascial tearExtensive MTJ tearExtensive intratendinous tear

Involves fascial border, >50% CSA and >15cm CC Involves MTJ, >50% and >15cm. >5cm fibre disruption Tendon involved >50%, >5cm, Loss of tendon tension