The Value of Ultrasound in Acute Ankle Injury: Comparison With MR.

Objective: To assess the value of the ultrasound (US) in different grades of acute trauma by comparing with MR.

Methods: We analyzed 30 patients, of average age 33, with acute ankle trauma, without fracture on standard radiograms. One week after injury all patients were sent for US. We used linear probe 8-15 MHz. Ten days later, the patients were examined on MR.

Results: Anterior talofibular ligament was normal in 20.6% by US and in 20.3% by MR. Ligament lesion were found by ultrasound in 40%, proven in only 20.6% by MR. Ultrasound diagnosed 33,3% ruptured ligament, MR found 50% rupture of anterior talofibular ligament. In 80.3% cases the calcaneofibular ligament appeared to be intact with both methods. Ultrasound found stretch ligament in 10.6% cases and MR proved that in 10% cases. In other 6.6% cases, MR found complete rupture. Intraarticular effusion was found in 80.3% patients by US and in 86.6% by MR. Lesion of tendon of long peroneal muscle was found in 40.6% patients by both methods. Lesion of tendon of short peroneal muscle was found in 33.3% lesions and proved by MR in only 20.3% cases. In other patients findings were normal. US found 10% lesions of the tendon of anterior tibial muscle and MR found 10.3% lesions. US found 10.6% lesions of tendon of long halucis flexor and MR found 20%. Our results were statistically analyzed by cross-tabs, the Stuart-Maxwell test, Npar tests and the McNemar test.

Conclusion: US proved to be a good and reliable method for diagnosing Grade I and II of ankle sprain, but for proper evaluation of Grade III, MR is recommended.