Ankle and Foot Injuries

Abstract

Injuries to the foot and ankle are common in elite athletes and may be responsible for prolonged periods of absence from competitive activity. The osseous, articular, ligamentous and tendinous structures of the foot and ankle may be injured in isolation or, more commonly, in combination. Various impingement syndromes of the ankle are described, many of which have characteristic features on imaging. Radiology now plays a crucial role in management of these injuries, not only in diagnosis but increasingly in guiding percutaneous therapies. The plain radiograph still plays a crucial role in diagnosis but is now supplemented with advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We present a comprehensive review of the anatomy, biomechanics, imaging and surgical management of foot and ankle injuries and impingement syndromes encountered in the sporting population.