Magnetic resonance imaging of traumatized ligaments of the ankle.
The clinical examination of acute soft tissue injuries of the ankle does not necessarily help to delineate the extent of injury. Ankle stress radiographs and arthrography have been applied for a more accurate assessment of the actual degree of ligamentous damage. However, these studies do not define the level of the ligament tear of the relationship of torn ligament ends to one another. This information would seem to be valuable in deciding whether a conservative or surgical approach would be advisable. The following study evaluated the possible role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of these injuries. The ability to assess ankle ligaments was first undertaken. Once this was successfully performed, magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the degree of ligament damage in 15 patients. Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be comparable to arthrography. It also provided additional valuable information.
Oloff
L M
LM
Department of Surgery, California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco 94115.
Sullivan
B T
BT
Heard
G S
GS
Thornton
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint; D001175:Arthrography / Q000592:standards; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology