DOI: 10.25259/jcis_27_2025 ISSN: 2156-5597

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of oblique injuries: Introduction of the deadrise sign

William Welton, Nicholas Hanna, Vincent Key, Brian M. Everist, Jamie Crist

Oblique injuries are a common sports-related injury to the lateral abdominal wall, most commonly caused by forceful trunk rotation, which tears the internal oblique from the undersurface of the lower ribs. Despite increased awareness and prevention efforts, these injuries remain a significant contributor to missed playing time. A single institution retrospective cohort review of oblique injury magnetic resonance images (MRIs) was performed, followed by a comprehensive review including relevant anatomy, grading considerations, and introduction of the deadrise sign, interpretation pearls, case examples, MRI protocols, and treatment algorithms.