A growing number of sports medicine specialists are claiming that there is a vast overuse of MRI scans in the world of sports. See “Sports Medicine Said to Overuse A Popular Scan,” New York Times.
“If you want an excuse to operate on a pitcher’s throwing shoulder, just get an MRI,” according to Dr. James Andrews, one of the most well-known sports orthopedists.
According to the article by Gina Kolata, “scans are easily misinterpreted and can result in misdiagnoses leading to unnecessary or even harmful treatments.”
Dr. Christopher DiGiovanni, a professor of orthopedics and a sports medicine specialist at Brown University said, “It’s very rare for an MRI to come back with the words ‘normal study.’ I can’t tell you the last time I’ve seen it.
Whether you’re a professional, college, high school or youth athlete, if the doctor says, “We should get an MRI,” it might be wise to question the necessity of the scan.
— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans
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