Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Ankle Ligaments

AbstractThe anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament are the most commonly injured ankle ligaments. This study aimed to investigate if the double fascicular anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament are associated with the presence of interconnections between those two ligaments and connections with non-ligamentous structures. A retrospective re-evaluation of 198 magnetic resonance imaging examinations of the ankle joint was conducted. The correlation between the double fascicular anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament and connections with the superior peroneal retinaculum, the peroneal tendon sheath, the tibiofibular ligaments, and the inferior extensor retinaculum was studied. The relationships between the anterior talofibular ligament’s and the calcaneofibular ligament’s diameters with the presence of connections were investigated. Most of the connections were visible in a group of double fascicular ligaments. Most often, one was between the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament (74.7%). Statistically significant differences between groups of single and double fascicular ligaments were visible in groups of connections between the anterior talofibular ligament and the peroneal tendon sheath (p < 0.001) as well as the calcaneofibular ligament and the posterior tibiofibular ligament (p < 0.05), superior peroneal retinaculum (p < 0.001), and peroneal tendon sheath (p < 0.001). Differences between the thickness of the anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament (p < 0.001), the diameter of the fibular insertion of the anterior talofibular ligament (p < 0.001), the diameter of calcaneal attachment of the calcaneofibular ligament (p < 0.05), and tibiocalcaneal angle (p < 0.01) were statistically significant. The presence of the double fascicular anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament fascicles correlate with connections to adjacent structures.

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Magnetic resonance imaging of traumatized ligaments of the ankle

Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association ◽

10.7547/87507315-82-1-25 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 82 (1) ◽

pp. 25-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

LM Oloff ◽

BT Sullivan ◽

GS Heard ◽

MC Thornton

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Soft Tissue Injuries ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Ankle Ligaments ◽

Stress Radiographs ◽

Actual Degree ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

The clinical examination of acute soft tissue injuries of the ankle does not necessarily help to delineate the extent of injury. Ankle stress radiographs and arthrography have been applied for a more accurate assessment of the actual degree of ligamentous damage. However, these studies do not define the level of the ligament tear of the relationship of torn ligament ends to one another. This information would seem to be valuable in deciding whether a conservative or surgical approach would be advisable. The following study evaluated the possible role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of these injuries. The ability to assess ankle ligaments was first undertaken. Once this was successfully performed, magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the degree of ligament damage in 15 patients. Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be comparable to arthrography. It also provided additional valuable information.

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