Arthrography of the ankle joint: problems in diagnosis of acute lateral ligament injuries

Arthrography of the ankle joint is a reasonably accurate and helpful method of delineating the extent of injuries to the lateral ligament. Forty-six arthrograms were obtained following acute injuries, with 26 patients having operative evaluation. Eight false negative results were encountered, all in combination with fairly massive capsular tears. Although ankle arthrography in acute injuries is useful, it is not infallible. An explanation for the large number of false negative results is offered and additional suggestions are made about the technique of examination.