Common weightlifting injuries of the upper extremity

The popularity of weightlifting continues to increase as both a form of exercise and as a method of competition. The recognized benefits of resistance training on muscle and bone health are recognized in all age groups. Weightlifting promotes strength and balance in youth but is also an important way to combat the effects of aging. However, injuries to muscles, tendons, and bone may occur, particularly when executing lifts that push tensile and compressive forces to an extreme. In this article, we will discuss five common upper extremity injuries that are associated with weightlifting, their mechanisms of injury, and their imaging findings with an emphasis on MR imaging.