Introduction
Hindfoot and ankle pain is commonly seen in a wide range of patients. MRI has made remarkable progress in the diagnosis and treatment of many musculoskeletal diseases, especially those of the ankle and foot. This study aimed to evaluate the role of MRI in the diagnosis of ankle diseases.
Patients and methods
This study was carried out on 50 patients of either sex with a major ankle pain complaint using 1.5 T MRI over 6 months in the Radiology Department of Assiut University Hospital.
Results
Ligament tears were found in 28% of patients; an anterior talofibular ligament was commonly torn followed by deltoid ligament tears. Achilles tendon pathology was found in 14% of patients, retrocalcaneal bursitis was seen in 4%, osseous lesions were found in 54% of patients, stress fractures in 4%, osteomyelitis in 6%, bone marrow edema in 32%, and degenerative osteoarthritis in 12%. Soft tissue edema and cellulitis was seen in 12%, posterior impingement in 8%, sinus tarsi edema in 4%, anterior impingement in 2%, plantar fasciitis in 2%, and Os navicular syndrome in 2%.
Conclusion
MRI is the method of choice for the diagnosis of other modalities-free-painful ankle joints. It detects subtle abnormalities or detailed anatomical mapping of the disease process which allows precise diagnosis that is effective in further management of these patients.