Imaging Manifestations of Ankle Impingement Syndromes

Ankle impingement syndromes encompass various pathologic entities that contribute to ankle pain with limited range of motion. Although classically described in athletes, these changes can occur in individuals of all ages, often with a history of prior ankle trauma. Ankle impingement is broadly categorized as anterolateral, anterior, posterior, anteromedial, and posteromedial, depending on the area of the ankle affected. Both osseous and soft tissue abnormalities can contribute to impingement symptoms, and a combination of these is often present. Multiple imaging modalities have been evaluated in the work-up of suspected impingement, including radiography, CT, MR imaging, and ultrasound.