More Limitations of Diagnostic Findings
I came across another study that calls into question the validity of using MRI results as primary means of diagnosing dysfunction. A study just published by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine finds that 70% of able-bodied hockey players have abnormal hip and pelvis MRIs, but present with no symptoms of pain or dysfunction. The study stresses the need for physicians not to rely excessively on imaging when diagnosing a patient.This again should bring attention to problems that present with positive MRI results for an abnormality. The positive MRI finding does not necessarily point to the true cause. If (using the above percentages) 70% of non-injured hockey players have positive MRI results for tears, etc, how can one use these findings as an accurate portrayal of a person's true condition?