Sports injury imaging: X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI
Accurate Diagnosis for Sports Injuries
Sports Injury
Injured on the sports field? Stress fractures are often hard to detect through standard x-rays, but we offer a range of scanning services to ensure correct diagnosis of any sport injuries. Correct diagnosis and proper treatment will get you back to your team as soon as possible.
That awkward landing on the netball court. The knee that twisted during footy. The shoulder that’s still complaining several days after a weekend game. Sports injuries can happen in a split second—or creep up gradually after weeks of training.
The harder question is often what comes next. Do you need an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI?
Xplore Radiology provides sports injury imaging across Leeton, Narellan, Camden, Griffith and Leppington, helping doctors, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals investigate injuries and plan appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
The right scan depends on the body part, type of injury and symptoms you’re experiencing. Your referring healthcare professional will determine which imaging examination is appropriate, but this guide can help you understand why different scans are used for common sporting injuries.
Ankle and foot injuries
Ankles have a knack for finding uneven ground at precisely the wrong moment. Sprains, fractures and other ankle and foot injuries are common in sports involving running, jumping and rapid changes of direction.
If a fracture is suspected, an X-ray is often the first imaging examination requested. X-rays provide clear images of bones and can help identify many fractures and joint injuries.
If your healthcare professional suspects a soft-tissue injury, such as damage to certain ligaments or tendons, ultrasound may also be appropriate. Ultrasound provides real-time images of soft tissues and can allow the sonographer to examine structures dynamically.
If you’ve been referred and are searching for an X-ray near me or X-ray local service, Xplore provides diagnostic imaging across all five clinics.
Read more about what to expect when having an X-ray.
Knee injuries
A sudden twist, change of direction or awkward landing can place considerable force through the knee. Common sporting injuries include damage to the ACL and other ligaments, meniscus tears and cartilage injuries.
The imaging your doctor recommends depends on what they suspect.
An X-ray may be used initially to rule out a fracture or bone injury. For suspected injuries involving the ligaments, menisci or cartilage, MRI can provide much more detailed images of the soft tissues within the knee.
This makes MRI particularly useful when investigating persistent knee pain, swelling, instability or reduced movement following an injury.
Xplore Radiology offers advanced 3T MRI at Griffith. Learn more about MRI of the knee in our 3T MRI services information.
Shoulder injuries
Shoulder pain after sport can have several causes, from an acute dislocation to problems involving the rotator cuff or impingement.
X-rays can help assess bones, joint alignment and injuries such as fractures or dislocations. When soft-tissue damage is suspected, your healthcare professional may recommend ultrasound or MRI.
MRI provides detailed images of muscles, tendons, ligaments and other structures around the shoulder and may be useful when investigating rotator cuff injuries and other causes of ongoing pain or weakness.
If further imaging is needed, your GP, physiotherapist, sports medicine practitioner or specialist will determine which examination is most appropriate.
For more information, see Xplore’s MRI of the shoulder information on our 3T MRI page.
Hamstring and muscle strains
That sudden grab at the back of the thigh halfway through a sprint is a familiar sight on sporting fields. Hamstring injuries and other muscle strains can range from relatively minor strains to more significant tears.
In many cases, diagnosis begins with a physical examination. Where imaging is needed, ultrasound can help assess muscle and tendon injuries, including the location and extent of some tears.
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation and allows soft tissues to be viewed in real time. Depending on the injury, it may help your healthcare professional understand the extent of damage and plan rehabilitation.
Your doctor or other referring healthcare professional can determine whether ultrasound is appropriate and when imaging should be performed following the injury.
Learn more about ultrasound at Xplore Radiology.
Stress fractures
Stress fractures differ from sudden fractures that can occur after a heavy impact or fall. They’re small bone injuries generally associated with repeated loading and are often seen in people who run and do other high-impact activities.
Here’s where diagnosis can become a little less straightforward: early stress fractures aren’t always visible on a plain X-ray.
An X-ray may still be the initial examination requested. If symptoms persist despite an apparently normal X-ray and your healthcare professional continues to suspect a stress injury, further imaging such as CT or MRI may be considered.
CT provides detailed images of bone, while MRI can identify changes within bone and surrounding soft tissues that may be associated with a stress injury.
Your doctor will determine whether additional imaging is necessary rather than automatically progressing from one scan to another.
Learn more about CT scans at Xplore Radiology or our 3T MRI services.
Concussion and head injuries
Head injuries need to be taken seriously. If you experience concerning symptoms following a sporting collision, fall or blow to the head, seek appropriate medical assessment rather than trying to determine for yourself whether you need imaging.
Not every concussion requires a scan. Imaging decisions are based on factors including your symptoms, examination findings and the nature of the injury.
When a doctor is concerned about a more serious head injury, CT brain imaging may be requested because CT can rapidly assess the skull and brain for certain acute injuries, including bleeding.
MRI may be appropriate in some circumstances, but your treating healthcare professional will decide whether imaging is necessary and which examination is appropriate.
Learn more about CT brain and CT head imaging on Xplore’s CT scans page.
If you develop severe or worsening symptoms after a head injury, seek urgent medical attention.
Which scan is used for a sports injury?
There’s no single “sports injury scan”. Different imaging technologies reveal different things, which is why your referral is based on the injury your healthcare professional suspects.
As a general guide:
| Injury or concern | Imaging considered |
| Suspected ankle or foot fracture | X-ray |
| Ligament or tendon injury | Ultrasound or MRI |
| ACL or meniscus injury | MRI |
| Rotator cuff injury | Ultrasound or MRI |
| Hamstring or muscle strain | Ultrasound |
| Suspected stress fracture | X-ray initially; MRI or CT may be considered |
| Significant acute head injury | CT may be requested |
This table isn’t intended to diagnose an injury or tell you which scan to book. Your doctor or other appropriate healthcare professional will consider your symptoms, examination and medical history before determining whether imaging is needed.
Sports injury imaging across Xplore Radiology
Whether sport is your profession, your weekend escape or simply something you refuse to give up despite your knees having lodged several formal complaints, getting the right diagnosis can be an important part of getting back to what you enjoy.
Xplore Radiology provides diagnostic imaging services in Leeton, Narellan, Camden, Griffith and Leppington, including X-ray, ultrasound and CT. 3T MRI is available at Griffith.
That means someone searching for radiology Griffith, radiology Leeton or radiology Leppington can access a range of imaging services through the Xplore network.
Xplore also has strong connections with community sport. You can read more about our commitment to local sports sponsorships and community health.
If an injury is connected with your employment rather than recreational sport—for example, you’re injured while undertaking work duties—different billing and approval arrangements may apply. Visit our WorkCover imaging page for information about workers compensation imaging and referrals.
What happens after your scan?
Once your examination is complete, a radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report for your referring healthcare professional.
Your doctor, physiotherapist or specialist can then consider the imaging findings alongside your symptoms and physical assessment. Imaging is one piece of the puzzle—not the whole picture—and healthcare professionals managing your injury should make treatment decisions.
Depending on the diagnosis, your next steps might include rest, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialist assessment or another treatment pathway.
Sports Injury Information
Injured on the sports field? Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions.
Do I need a referral for sports injury imaging?
Yes. Diagnostic imaging generally requires an appropriate referral from a healthcare professional. The referral tells Xplore which area needs to be examined and provides relevant clinical information about your injury.
If you’re unsure whether you need imaging, speak with your GP, physiotherapist or other appropriate healthcare professional first.
Which scan is best for a sports injury?
It depends on the injury. X-rays are commonly used to investigate fractures, while ultrasound can assess many muscle, tendon and ligament injuries. MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues such as ligaments, cartilage and menisci, while CT can provide highly detailed images of bones and may be useful for certain injuries.
Your referring healthcare professional will decide which examination is most appropriate.
What should I bring to my sports injury imaging appointment?
Bring your referral and Medicare card, along with any relevant previous imaging you’ve been asked to provide.
Depending on the examination, Xplore may give you specific preparation instructions when you make your appointment. Follow these carefully, particularly if you’re having a scan that requires special preparation or contrast.
How quickly will my sports injury imaging results be available?
After your examination, a radiologist will review the images and prepare a report for your referring healthcare professional.
Same day reporting can be offered for urgent scans when injury is suspected.
Can my physiotherapist refer me for sports injury imaging?
Referral requirements can depend on the type of imaging and your individual circumstances. Speak with your physiotherapist or Xplore Radiology before booking to confirm whether a referral is appropriate for the required examination.
Where can I have sports injury imaging at Xplore Radiology?
Xplore Radiology provides imaging services at Leeton, Narellan, Camden, Griffith and Leppington. Available imaging modalities vary by location, with 3T MRI currently available at Griffith.
When booking, contact your preferred clinic to confirm the imaging service you require is available there.
Get your sports injury properly assessed
The temptation after a sporting injury is often to give it a few days, add some ice and hope your body sorts out the rest. Sometimes it does. Sometimes that niggle has other plans.
If pain, swelling, weakness or reduced movement is persisting—or you’ve experienced a significant injury—speak with your healthcare professional. They can assess the problem and determine whether an X-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI is appropriate.
Once you have your referral, contact Xplore Radiology to arrange your sports injury imaging at your nearest clinic.
Book your appointment at a location near you.
Leeton
79A Kurrajong Avenue Leeton, NSW, 2705
Phone: (02) 6953 4644
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 6953 7708
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
Narellan
Phone: (02) 4648 4415
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 4648 0024
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
Griffith
119-121 Yambil Street Griffith, NSW, 2680
Phone: (02) 6962 3335
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 5963 2721
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
Leppington
Phone: (02) 8073 7834
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 8072 1509
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
Camden
Phone: (02) 4610 4029
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 4610 8441
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
Leeton
Phone: (02) 6953 4644
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 6953 7708
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
Narellan
Phone: (02) 4648 4415
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 4648 0024
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
Griffith
Phone: (02) 6962 3335
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 5963 2721
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
Leppington
Phone: (02) 8073 7834
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 8072 1509
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
Camden
Phone: (02) 4610 4029
Email: info@xrad.com.au
Fax: (02) 4610 8411
Office hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm
