Synopsis

The muscle-tendon unit is an axis to transmit force from muscle to skeleton, and its structural integrity is a prerequisite to preserve locomotion. Myotendinous injuries frequently occur not only in elite athletes, but also in the general population participating in recreational activity. This presentation reviews the microscopic and macroscopic anatomy of muscle-tendon unit in correlation with MR findings, the diagnostic approach to myotendinous injury in lower extremities using MRI, and imaging parameters associated with longer return to play or reinjury. Additionally, promising MR techniques for assessment of myotendinous injury will be briefly touched upon.