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Anterolateral soft-tissue impingement in the ankle: diagnosis using MR imaging
D A Rubin1, N W Tishkoff, C A Britton
1Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213, USA.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|September 1, 1997
Summary
MR imaging can detect anterolateral soft-tissue impingement in the ankle by identifying abnormal soft-tissue structures in the lateral gutter. This finding, distinct from the anterior talofibular ligament, aids in diagnosing chronic ankle pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Anterolateral soft-tissue impingement is a source of chronic ankle pain.
- Arthroscopic resection can provide relief for this condition.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging features of anterolateral soft-tissue impingement.
- To highlight potential diagnostic pitfalls in MR imaging of the ankle.
- To correlate MR findings with arthroscopic surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR imaging in 18 patients with confirmed impingement.
- Comparison with MR imaging of 18 control subjects with alternative diagnoses.
- Analysis of soft-tissue structures in the anterolateral gutter on MR images.
Main Results:
- Ankle effusion was present in 9/18 patients with impingement.
- Eight patients showed abnormal anterolateral soft-tissue structures (2-15 mm).
- A similar finding in controls represented torn anterior talofibular ligament, not impingement.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging can suggest anterolateral soft-tissue impingement.
- Fluid in the lateral gutter outlining an abnormal structure is key.
- Distinguishing this from anterior talofibular ligament pathology is important.