Qualitative Analysis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Preoperative Evaluation of Chronic Lateral Ankle Ligament Injury

Abstract

Purpose To compare the MRI findings of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) injuries in chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) between surgical treatment groups. Materials and Methods Fifty-two patients with CLAI were divided into the modified Broström procedure (MBP) (n = 31) and lateral ankle ligament reconstruction (LAR) (n = 21) groups. T2- weighted MRI findings between the groups were compared for caliber change, slope, signal intensity, and thickness measurements of the ligaments. Additionally, the talar tilt angles were measured on stress radiographs. Results The injured ATFL (p = 0.002 vs. p = 0.001) and CFL (p = 0.008 vs. p = 0.039) were more commonly scarce or thin and had decreased slopes in the LAR group. The mean thickness of ATFL (p = 0.002) and CFL (p = 0.002) was 1.1 ± 0.9 mm and 1.3 ± 0.8 mm, respectively, in the LAR group and 2.2 ± 1.3 mm and 2.1 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, in the MBP group. The mean talar tilt angle was greater in the LAR group (13.4 ± 3.9°) than in the MBP group (9.5 ± 3.8°) (p = 0.001). Conclusion A qualitative analysis of the ligaments on MRI is valuable in selecting the surgical method.

Keywords

• ankle
• ankle injuries
• lateral ligament
• magnetic resonance imaging