%0 Journal Article %A Moniek van Heumen %A Johannes L Tol %A Robert-Jan de Vos %A Maarten H Moen %A Adam Weir %A John Orchard %A Gustaaf Reurink %T The prognostic value of MRI in determining reinjury risk following acute hamstring injury: a systematic review %D 2017 %R 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096790 %J British Journal of Sports Medicine %P 1355-1363 %V 51 %N 18 %X Background A challenge for sports physicians is to estimate the risk of a hamstring re-injury, but the current evidence for MRI variables as a risk factor is unknown.Objective To systematically review the literature on the prognostic value of MRI findings at index injury and/or return to play for acute hamstring re-injuries.Data sources Databases of PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane Library were searched until 20 June 2016.Study eligibility criteria Studies evaluating MRI as a prognostic tool for determining the risk of re-injury for athletes with acute hamstring injuries were eligible for inclusion.Data analysis Two authors independently screened the search results and assessed risk of bias using standardised criteria from a consensus statement. A best-evidence synthesis was used to identify the level of evidence. Post hoc analysis included correction for insufficient sample size.Results Of the 11 studies included, 7 had a low and 4 had a high risk of bias. No strong evidence for any MRI finding as a risk factor for hamstring re-injury was found. There was moderate evidence that intratendinous injuries were associated with increased re-injury risk. Post hoc analysis showed moderate evidence that injury to the biceps femoris was a moderate to strong risk factor for re-injury.Conclusion There is currently no strong evidence for any MRI finding in predicting hamstring re-injury risk. Intratendinous injuries and biceps femoris injuries showed moderate evidence for association with a higher re-injury risk.Systematic review registration Registration in the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews was performed prior to study initiation (registration number CRD42015024620). %U https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/51/18/1355.full.pdf