To describe magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of the tibia in novice symptomatic short-distance runners.

Patient selection The study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee and written informed consent was obtained. Between June 2012 and September 2014, we prospectively included novice runners with written request for MR imaging evaluation of the knee. We considered novice runners who began to run the previous two months and followed a short-distance program (below 4 miles per session and/or below 12 miles per week). All patients had previous negative standard radiographic examinations of the knee performed in the previous months from the MR...

Forty knees MR imaging evaluations of thirty-eight adult patients were performed. The mean body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms/height in meters: males 23 ± 3; females 22 ± 4; the patient age was: males: 42 ± 11; females 39± 10. Patients’ characteristics are shown in Table 2. Concerning previous running experience, it was the first running experience in 21 patients. Associated sport activities practiced beyond running were determined in 16 novice runners. N=11 novice runners declared to had had a previous injury...

Tibial stress injuries may occur in novice short-distance runners. MRI can efficiently demonstrate tibial stress reactions in novice symptomatic short-distancerunners. Tibial fracture in novice short-distance runners occurred in the medial tibial plate.

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