Numerous pathologic processes of the ankle can be diagnosed with use of magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging allows for high-resolution evaluation of not only the osseous structures of the ankle joint but also the soft-tissue structures including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. There are multiple imaging techniques and pulse sequences with which to evaluate the ankle joint. The purposes of this report are to (1) update orthopaedic surgeons on current magnetic resonance imaging techniques and indications for magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle, and (2) elucidate the typical appearance of the normal ankle joint and its common disease entities on magnetic resonance imaging.⇓ Figs. 1-A, 1-B, and 1-C Process of image production. (Reprinted from: Khanna AJ, Cosgarea AJ, Mont MA, Andres BM, Domb BG, Evans PJ, Bluemke DA, Frassica FJ. Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. Current techniques and spectrum of disease. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001; 83 [Suppl 2 Pt 2]:128-41.) Fig. 1-A Alignment of the protons within a patient, with the external magnetic field (Bo) applied by the superconducting magnet in a typical magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Fig. 1-B Application of a radiofrequency pulse sequence to the patient, which often aligns the net magnetization vector of the patient at a 90° angle to the external magnetic field. Fig. 1-C The longitudinal relaxation of the protons, which is measured to determine the characteristics of a tissue on a T1-weighted image. ### Process of Image Production 1 , 2 (Figs. 1-A, 1-B, and 1-C) The process of image production involves seven steps. (1) The patient is placed supine on the scanner bed. (2) The strong magnetic field of the scanner aligns the protons within the patient's tissues along the longitudinal axis of the scanner. (3) An electromagnetic pulse is sent into the scanner, allowing for reorientation of the protons in the tissues (typically 90° to the external field). (4) The electromagnetic pulse is turned off, and …