Radiological Imaging of Ankle Injuries

Ankle sprains are common, but fortunately, the symptoms often resolve spontaneously. Many clinicians use the Ottawa rules to determine who should undergo radiographic examination to detect fracture. However, radiographs alone may overlook occult and sometimes highly significant fractures. In problem cases especially where there is persisting pain or disability, additional imaging is indicated. This might be CT or MR if there is evidence of an ankle joint effusion or ultrasound or MR if a ligament or tendon injury is suspected. Ultrasound examination is more accurate in detecting the nature of soft tissue injury, but MR is more comprehensive as it will cover bones and the deeper parts of the bone. The more complex imaging has a potential use in planning rehabilitation in the athlete.