Soft Tissue Injuries: An Imaging Perspective

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other connective tissues. Imaging techniques like MRI and ultrasound are key to diagnosing these injuries—they reveal swelling, tears, or inflammation that aren't always visible externally. MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, helping identify the extent and precise location of the injury, while ultrasound offers real-time assessment and is often used for guiding treatments. Understanding these images allows doctors to develop effective treatment plans, monitor healing, and determine when an individual can safely return to activity.