Magnetic resonance imaging characterization of individual ankle syndesmosis structures in asymptomatic and surgically treated cohorts.

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Historically, syndesmosis injuries have been underdiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to characterize the 3.0-T MRI presentations of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and its individual structures in both asymptomatic and injured cohorts. Ten age-matched asymptomatic volunteers were imaged to characterize the asymptomatic syndesmotic anatomy. A series of 21 consecutive patients with a pre-operative 3.0-T ankle MRI and subsequent arthroscopic evaluation for suspected syndesmotic injury were reviewed and analysed. Prospectively collected pre-operative MRI findings were correlated with arthroscopy to assess diagnostic accuracy [sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV)]. Pathology diagnosed on pre-operative MRI correlated strongly with arthroscopic findings. Syndesmotic ligament disruption was prospectively diagnosed on MRI with excellent sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy: anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (87.5, 100, 100, 71.4, 90.5%); posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (N/A, 95.2, 0.0, 100, 95.2%); and interosseous tibiofibular ligament (66.7, 86.7, 66.7, 86.7, 81.0%). Pre-operative 3.0-T MRI demonstrated excellent accuracy in the diagnosis of syndesmotic ligament tears and allowed for the visualization of relevant individual syndesmosis structures. Using a standard clinical ankle MRI protocol at 3.0-T, associated ligament injuries could be readily identified. Clinical implementation of optimal high-field MRI sequences in a standard clinical ankle MRI exam can aid in the diagnosis of syndesmotic injuries, augment pre-operative planning, and facilitate anatomic repair by providing additional details regarding the integrity of individual syndesmotic structures not discernible through physical examination and radiographic assessments. II.