Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Post Traumatic Ankle Joint

Abstract

Background: The ankle joint injuries are common emergency and account for about 10% of all visits to emergency departments. This is usually due to a sprain related to sports, walking, fall, or road traffic accident. Ankle joint has a complex three-dimensional anatomy, so MRI is considered the modality of the choice in evaluating patients with ankle problems. MRI provides precise information about soft tissue, skeletal and extra-skeletal lesions. Objectives: To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of abnormalities and injuries associated with post traumatic ankle joint. Patients and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019 to April 2021. Sixty patients with post-traumatic ankle joint complaints underwent MRI examination during this period. All patients performed MRI examination in the Radiology Department, Menoufia University Hospital after signing informed consent. Results: Out of 60 patients, nine (16%) were diagnosed with ligamentous injuries, 29 (48.3%) were diagnosed with tendon injuries and 35 (58.3%) were diagnosed with bone injuries. Nine (15%) were fractures, one (1.7%) was bone necrosis and 34 (56.7%) were bone contusions. 55 (91.7%) had joint effusion and 11 (18.3%) had sinus tarsi syndrome. Conclusion: MRI is the modality of choice in evaluating ankle injuries because of its high soft tissue contrast resolution and multi-planar capabilities. It is an ideal modality for global evaluation of the osseous and soft tissue structures of the ankle.