COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURIES IN ATHLETES: RADIOLOGICAL INSIGHTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE APPROACHES

Introduction: Collateral ligament injuries, involving the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), are frequent among athletes due to the high mechanical demands and stress applied to the knee during sports activities. These injuries can lead to significant functional impairment and are often associated with complex patterns involving other knee structures. Accurate diagnosis and staging are essential to guide effective treatment strategies and return-to-play decisions. Objective: This review aims to analyze the current radiological modalities available for assessing collateral ligament injuries in athletes and to integrate imaging findings with therapeutic approaches in sports medicine. Secondary objectives include exploring emerging imaging technologies, the role of imaging in monitoring recovery, and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Methods: The review was conducted through a narrative synthesis of the literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Articles published in the last five years, focusing on imaging and treatment of collateral ligament injuries in athletes, were selected. Studies were categorized by imaging modality, clinical context, and relevance to sports medicine practice. Results and Discussion: MRI remains the gold standard for evaluation of MCL and LCL injuries, while ultrasound and CT play selective but complementary roles. Imaging allows for classification, severity grading, and assessment of associated injuries, enabling individualized treatment protocols. Novel imaging approaches and AI applications are emerging, though their clinical integration remains limited. Conclusion: Radiological evaluation is fundamental in the management of collateral ligament injuries in athletes. It aids diagnosis, treatment planning, and progression monitoring. Multidisciplinary collaboration enhances outcomes and supports safe return-to-sport decisions, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches in sports medicine.