Diagnostic Role of Ultrasonography Compared to Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Ankle Pain

Abstract

Background: Ankle pain is common in clinical practice. Various lesions including trauma, impingement syndromes, inflammatory arthritis, soft tissue, and bony lesions affect the ankle joint. Imaging is crucial in the determination of the pain cause and management. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the role of high-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSK US) compared to the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in ankle pain. Patients and Methods: This studyconducted on 29 patients who presented with ankle pain during the period from September 2018 until September 2019 at Qena University Hospitals, South Valley University, Egypt and evaluated by plain radiographs, US and MRI. Comparative analysis was done between US and MRI. Results: The US was able to detect various lesions affecting the ankle ( tendinous and ligamentous injury, plantar fasciitis, joint effusion, bursitis, ganglion cysts, tarsal tunnel syndrome) with sensitivity and specificity of 100% regarding tendons pathology and sensitivity 80 %, specificity 100 % regarding ligamentous injuries with overall accuracy 95 % compared to MRI. US was negative in all MRI positive bony lesions. Conclusion: The US is a useful imaging modality in identifying a large spectrum of causes of ankle pain and should be considered a first step diagnostic tool when an osseous lesion is not suspected.