[Low-field MRI of the ankle joint: initial experience in children and adolescents using an open 0.2 T MR-system].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic confidence of MRI with an open low field System (Magnetom open, Siemens, Germany) in children with predominantly traumatic disorders.


METHODS
Conventional X-rays and MRI examinations have been evaluated in 55 children. MRI was performed at an open 0.2 T MR-unit. The study protocol comprised coronal STIR-sequence, an angulated T2 weighted TSE-sequence and T1 weighted SE-sequence.


RESULTS
MRI showed ligamental rupture in 33/50 (60%) cases. Injuries of the ATFL were most frequent (27/33); osseous ligamental tears occurred in approx. 50% of all cases. Fractures of the distal tibia and fibula were diagnosed in 28/55 children. 15/28 cases showed an involvement of the epiphysis. We found occult fractures in 11/28 children. Fractures, diagnosed by conventional x-rays, were excluded in 6 cases. Therapy changed in 35/55 patients on the basis of MRI-findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-field MRI of the ankle joint in children and adolescents is able to show numerous pathological conditions. We recommend low-field MRI of the ankle in children with persistent or unclear pain of the ankle joint and inconspicuous conventional x-ray.
Herber
S
S
Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie. herber@radiologie.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Kreitner
K F
KF
Kalden
P
P
Löw
R
R
Berger
S
S
Thelen
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012421:Rupture; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging