MTUskador

MTUskador are injuries to the muscle-tendon unit (MTU), a term used in sports medicine to describe damage to muscle fibers, their tendons, and the musculotendinous junction. These injuries can range from minor strains to full-thickness tears and may involve tendinopathy or contusions affecting any MTU, but are most common in the lower limbs.

Common sites include the hamstrings, quadriceps, gastrocnemius- soleus complex (calf and Achilles region), and the adductor group. Types of MTU injuries include acute strains or tears following sudden overload, chronic tendinopathies from overuse, and contusions that injure muscle tissue.

Causes and risk factors include sudden high-load eccentric contractions (such as sprinting or kicking), repetitive overuse, inadequate warm-up, fatigue, age, and a history of prior MTU injuries. Training errors and insufficient recovery also contribute to risk.

Diagnosis relies on clinical history and physical examination, with imaging used to assess severity and exact location. Ultrasound is often employed for dynamic evaluation, while MRI provides detailed information about tear extent and tissue quality.

Treatment emphasizes gradual return to function. Initial management may involve protection and relative rest, followed by progressive, criterion-based loading and specific rehabilitation, including eccentric and concentric strengthening. Surgery is considered for complete ruptures or when conservative treatment fails.

Prevention focuses on proper conditioning, gradual progression of training loads, adequate warm-up, and addressing faulty mechanics or fatigue. Return-to-sport decisions should be guided by clinical recovery, functional testing, and individualized rehabilitation plans.

Prognosis varies with severity but most MTUskador improve with appropriate rehab; however, the risk of recurrence remains if loading or technique is not adequately managed.