[Magnetic resonance tomography study of ankle joint fractures. A prospective pathologic-anatomic study]

The imaging findings in 21 patients with ankle fractures were evaluated prospectively to determine the value of MRI in diagnostics of bone, cartilage, ligament and soft tissue lesions. A total of 17 female and 4 male patients aged from 25 to 60 years (mean age 50 years) underwent an MRI examination 2-14 h after trauma. Axial, sagittal and coronal T1-weighted SE and T2-weighted GE images were performed using an extremity coil. We found 2 type A (A 1.2 and A 1.3), 17 type B (3 B 1.1, 3 B 2.1 3 B 2.2, 1 B 2.3, 5 B 3.2 and 2 B 3.3) and 2 type C (C 1.1) fractures. MRI was capable of detecting bone fractures not visible in a conventional X-ray, cartilaginous damage, ligamentous injury and subtle soft tissue lesions. We conclude that the coronal and axial planes are essential for optimal visualization of the major ligaments. The injury patterns found in this examination are identical to those described by Weber. MRI appears to be a useful examination method in special cases, but it is not a suitable screening method because of the high costs and time required.