Injuries are a significant concern for professional athletes, especially in sports like soccer, where players experience repetitive stress on key tendons and fascia. Ultrasound screening has emerged as a tool for identifying structural abnormalities before symptoms arise, but does it provide enough value for professional teams to justify its implementation?

Original Research: Setting the Stage

A groundbreaking study evaluated the utility of ultrasound screenings in identifying abnormalities in the patellar tendon, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. The study involved 242 collegiate athletes and highlighted the following:

  • Athletes with tendon abnormalities were at significantly higher risk of developing pain:
    • Patellar tendon: 8.8 times higher risk
    • Achilles tendon: 17.2 times higher risk
    • Plantar fascia: 13.2 times higher risk
  • High Negative Predictive Value (≥99%)—normal findings effectively rule out the risk of injury.
  • Median time loss due to injuries ranged from 1 to 8 days, with outliers missing up to 241 days.

These findings suggest that ultrasound screening can identify athletes at risk of tendon injuries, providing opportunities for early intervention and potentially reducing long-term absences.

The Financial Stakes in MLS

"In MLS, a single tendon or fascia injury could cost a team $50,000–$100,000 in lost player time. For high-profile designated players, the financial impact can skyrocket to over $200,000."

According to Capology, the average annual salary of an MLS player is $472,008, translating to $9,080 per week. Time-loss injuries to key structures like the patellar tendon can result in tens of thousands of dollars in lost salaries, which further amplifies the need for proactive injury prevention strategies.

Ultrasound Screening Workflow Flowchart

Flowchart Overview

This flowchart illustrates the screening process and how it integrates with injury prevention programs.

Ultrasound Screening Flowchart

Conclusion: The ROI of Screening

Ultrasound screening is not just a medical tool; it’s a financial strategy. By investing a few hours and a modest cost, MLS teams can prevent significant player absences, save money, and enhance team performance. While it’s not perfect—given the low PPV—it offers high-value insights for proactive injury prevention. For MLS teams and other professional sports organizations, the answer is clear: It’s worth it.

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