Advanced Imaging in the Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: An Algorithmic Approach.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) requires accurate imaging for diagnosis and management.
• Various imaging modalities are utilized, each with specific strengths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize imaging methods for diagnosing and managing CLAI.
• To provide an algorithmic approach to imaging in CLAI.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging techniques including plain radiographs, stress radiographs, ultrasonography (US), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Discussion of the advantages and limitations of each modality.
• Inclusion of illustrative cases and an algorithmic approach.

Main Results:

• Plain radiographs are used for initial assessment.
• Stress radiographs actively detect instability.
• US offers dynamic evaluation, while MRI is crucial for surgical planning and assessing associated lesions.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive approach utilizing multiple imaging modalities is essential for CLAI.
• MRI plays a vital role in pre-surgical evaluation.
• Imaging guides diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment planning for CLAI.