Application of three-dimensional isotropic fat-suppressed turbo spin-echo sequence in evaluation of ankle ligament injuries

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of three-dimensional isotropic fat-suppressed turbo spin-echo sequence (3D-FS-TSE-SPACE) for ankle ligament injuries. Methods MRI conventional sequences (including 2D-TSE-T2WI at coronal, sagittal, and axial positions) and 3D-FS-TSE-SPACE were used to examine the ankle joints of 38 patients (26 males and 12 females) who were suspected of ligament injuries. Multiplanar reconstruction was performed of the 3D-FS-TSE-SPACE at coronal and axial positions after examination. The images of 2D-TSE-T2WI at coronal, sagittal, and axial positions and sagittal 3D-PD-TSE-SPACE were compared in the display and diagnosis of ankle ligament injuries. Results There were no significant differences in the diagnosis of the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, posterior talofibular ligament, tibionavicular ligament, tibiocalcaneal ligament and tibiotalar ligament between 2D-TSE-T2WI and 3D-FS-TSE-SPACE (P>0.05). The latter displayed the anatomic details of the ankle ligaments more clearly than the former. Conclusion Since 3D-PD-TSE-SPACE is similar to 2D-TSE-T2WI in the diagnosis of ankle ligament injuries, it can be used to evaluate ankle ligament injuries. Key words: Ankle joints; Ligaments; Injury; Magnetic resonance imaging