Detection of ankle effusions: comparison study in cadavers using radiography, sonography, and MR imaging.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare radiography, sonography, and MR imaging in revealing ankle effusions in cadaveric specimens.


METHODS
Known quantities of saline solution were instilled in increments into the ankle joints of three cadaveric specimens. Imaging was completed after each injection with the ankle in dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, and a neutral position. Imaging included radiography, sonography, and MR imaging. Three observers who were aware of possible joint fluid evaluated the images by consensus and determined the presence or absence of joint effusion.


RESULTS
MR imaging revealed 1 ml of fluid within the anterior recess of the ankle in a neutral position and in plantar flexion and within the posterior recess in dorsiflexion. Sonography revealed 2 ml of fluid within the anterior recess in a neutral position and in plantar flexion. Radiography revealed 5 ml of fluid within the anterior recess in a neutral position.


CONCLUSIONS
MR imaging, sonography, and lateral radiography, in order of decreasing sensitivity, revealed ankle effusion. The power to reveal with each technique is influenced by the precise position of the ankle.
Jacobson
J A
JA
Department of Radiology, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, CA 92151, USA.
Andresen
R
R
Jaovisidha
S
S
De Maeseneer
M
M
Foldes
K
K
Trudell
D R
DR
Resnick
D
D
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005360:Fibula / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D015588:Observer Variation; D011187:Posture; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013380:Subtalar Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D013628:Talus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013977:Tibia / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography
D012965:Sodium Chloride