The Utility of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Diagnosing Uncommon Talocrural Synovitis in an Amateur Weightlifting Athlete

Abstract

The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound to assess sports-related injuries has been increasing worldwide. This case report focuses on an unusual form of synovitis of the talocrural joint in a 33-year-old male amateur weightlifter who presented to our sports medicine clinic with acute non-traumatic left ankle pain lasting for 2 days. He reported a recent change in his squatting technique and had no significant medical history other than a recent viral upper respiratory illness. Weight-bearing ankle X-rays were inconclusive, however, ultrasound evaluation revealed effusion in the talocrural joint upon assessment of the ankle’s anterior joint capsule. Additionally, the ultrasound examination helped rule out other common soft tissue ankle pathologies that can affect athletes. The athlete's symptoms resolved by day 5 with conservative measures, including weight bearing as tolerated, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and lymphatic drainage techniques. This report demonstrates the utility of musculoskeletal ultrasound in diagnosing an uncommon cause of ankle pain in athletes.