Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the imaging modality of choice for evaluating most soft tissue and osseous abnormalities in the ankle. The technique offers a noninvasive and expeditious diagnostic assessment of ankle injuries, which are often occult on conventional radiographs and computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study was to assess the role of MRI in the evaluation of painful ankle joint from different causes.
Patients and methods:
This study included 50 patients suffering from ankle pain (32 males "64%" and 18 females "36 %"). The study was done between January 2008 and April 2012. The patient's ages ranged between 11 - 59 years old with average of 35 years. All patients were subjected to MRI examination by different sequences and in different planes. Clinical data and available X-ray examination were reviewed.
Results
Patients were classified into two groups; traumatic group (group I) include 15 patients (30 %) and non traumatic group (group II) include 35 patient 70%. In Group I (traumatic group): lesions detected include 14 cases presented with bony lesion. 11 cases presented with tendinous injuries. 12 cases presented with ligamentous injuries. Six cases presented with associated joint effusion and two cases presented with associated sinus tarsi syndrome.
In Group II (non traumatic group): lesions detected include 25 cases presented with bone injuries. 19 cases presented with tendinous lesions. One case presented by partial tear of the ATAF. Twenty one case presented with joint lesions. Four cases presented with sinus tarsi syndrome. 14 cases with soft tissue lesions.
Conclusion
Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the ankle joint is the most superior modality for detecting different lesions that cause ankle pain, MRI demonstrates abnormalities in the bones and soft tissues before they become evident at other imaging modalities.