title: Feasibility of ultrasound imaging of osteochondral defects in the ankle: a clinical pilot study.
abstract: Talar osteochondral defects (OCDs) are imaged using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). For extensive follow-up, ultrasound might be a fast, non-invasive alternative that images both bone and cartilage. In this study the potential of ultrasound, as compared with CT, in the imaging and grading of OCDs is explored. On the basis of prior CT scans, nine ankles of patients without OCDs and nine ankles of patients with anterocentral OCDs were selected and classified using the Loomer CT classification. A blinded expert skeletal radiologist imaged all ankles with ultrasound and recorded the presence of OCDs. Similarly to CT, ultrasound revealed typical morphologic OCD features, for example, cortex irregularities and loose fragments. Cartilage disruptions, Loomer grades IV (displaced fragment) and V (cyst with fibrous roof), were visible as well. This study encourages further research on the use of ultrasound as a follow-up imaging modality for OCDs located anteriorly or centrally on the talar dome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Research Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: A.kok@amc.uva.nl.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Kok
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Terra
authors.affiliation: SINTEF Medical Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Muller
authors.affiliation: SINTEF Medical Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Askeland
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Research Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: van Dijk
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Research Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G M M J
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Kerkhoffs
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Research Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Faculty of 3 ME, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G J M
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Tuijthof
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010007:Osteochondritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013628:Talus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: Ankle; Computed tomography; Osteochondral defects; Talus; Ultrasound