Abstract

Aims and objectives: To evaluate the role of high resolution ultrasound and MRI in the
diagnosis of ankle joint pain.
Material and methods: 50 patients with acute or chronic ankle pain referred to the
Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging for sonography and, magnetic resonance
imaging were included in thestudy.
Results: The most common cause of ankle pain in a study was tenosynovitis seen in 16
patients. 8 patients were clinically suspected to have tendoachilles tear. No disagreement
was seen between MRI and USG for tendoachilles tear. All the 12 cases of lateral
ligament injury diagnosed on USG were confirmed on MRI. MRI showed a distinct
advantage over USG in patients with ankle pain by diagnosing marrow edema in 24
patients, calcaneal spur in 4 patients, accessory bone in 1 patient, bone cysts in 3
patients, bony erosions in 1 patient, and stieda process in 1 patient.
Conclusions: Both ultrasound and MRI can be used for imaging evaluation of patients
with ankle pain. Ultrasound is an excellent tool for evaluation of patients with ankle
pain and it can be used as primary imaging investigation. MRI may be used to confirm
the findings of ultrasound in ankle pain, but it should be used as the first imaging
modality in patients with marrow abnormality or when deep seated pathologies are
suspected.