[Impingement syndrome of the ankle]

Impingement syndrome of the ankle is a clinical diagnosis caused posttraumatically by overuse due to repetitive mechanical loading or the presence of predisposing anatomical variants. Ankle impingement syndrome is characterized by chronic pain and limited range of movement caused by mechanical compression of bony or soft tissues within the joint compartments. Ankle impingement syndrome is classified according to the various anatomical locations around the tibiotalar joint as anterior, anterolateral, anteromedial, posterior or posteromedial. Various imaging modalities are helpful in confirming the clinical diagnosis of ankle impingement. Radiography and computed tomography are used to identify bony abnormalities and intra-articular loose bodies. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice to demonstrate pathological soft tissue changes, bone marrow edema and osteochondral lesions. Dynamic sonography can identify the anatomical structures leading to impingement during movement.