Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Post Traumatic Ankle Joint

Abstract

Ankle joint injuries constitute approximately 10% of all emergency department visits, commonly resulting from sports, accidents, or daily activities. Although most cases respond well to conservative management, nearly 30% of patients develop chronic instability and persistent pain requiring surgical intervention. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), due to its superior soft tissue contrast and multiplanar capabilities, is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating traumatic ankle injuries, effectively demonstrating ligamentous, tendinous, osseous, and cartilaginous abnormalities.

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MRI in detecting post-traumatic ankle pathologies and to identify optimal MRI planes and sequences for accurate diagnosis. Conducted from December 2021 to December 2022 at AL Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, the study included 25 patients (15 males, 10 females; mean age 32 ± 13 years) out of an initial cohort of 40 patients referred for post-traumatic ankle pain. MRI identified joint effusion in 80% of cases, ligament injuries (primarily anterior talofibular ligament) in 52%, tendon injuries (predominantly Achilles tendon) in 48%, and bone lesions (mostly bone contusions) in 36%.

The findings highlight MRI’s pivotal role in accurately characterizing traumatic ankle injuries and identifying occult osseous lesions missed by other imaging techniques. Understanding the most effective MRI sequences and imaging planes can optimize diagnostic precision, reduce examination and reporting times, and enhance overall clinical management.