Imaging diagnosis for chronic lateral ankle ligament injury: a systemic review with meta-analysis

Various imaging techniques have been utilized for the diagnosis of chronic lateral ankle ligament injury. This systemic review will explore the effectiveness of different imaging techniques in diagnosing chronic lateral ankle ligament injury.

Relative studies were retrieved after searching 3 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails). Eligible studies were summarized. Data were extracted to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography (US), stress radiography, and arthrography.

Fifteen studies met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 695 participants were included. The pooled sensitivities in diagnosing chronic ATFL injury were 0.83 [0.78, 0.87] for MRI, 0.99 [0.96, 1.00] for US, and 0.81 [0.68, 0.90] for stress radiography. The pooled specificities in diagnosing chronic ATFL injury were 0.79 [0.69, 0.87] for MRI, 0.91 [0.82, 0.97] for US, and 0.92 [0.79, 0.98] for stress radiography. The pooled sensitivities in diagnosing chronic CFL injury were 0.56 [0.46, 0.66] for MRI, 0.94 [0.85, 0.98] for US, and 0.90 [0.73, 0.98] for arthrography. The pooled specificities in diagnosing chronic CFL injury were 0.88 [0.82, 0.93] for MRI, 0.91 [0.80, 0.97] for US, and 0.90 [0.77, 0.97] for arthrography.

This systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the accuracy of imaging for the diagnosis of chronic lateral ankle ligament injury. Ultrasound manifested high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing chronic lateral ankle ligament injury. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of MRI in detecting chronic CFL injuries.