Aftermath of Ankle Inversion Injuries

Deep learning reconstruction for turbo spin echo to prospectively accelerate ankle MRI: A multi-reader study

PURPOSE

To evaluate a deep learning reconstruction for turbo spin echo (DLR-TSE) sequence of ankle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in terms of acquisition time, image quality, and lesion detectability by comparing with conventional TSE.

METHODS

Between March 2023 and May 2023, patients with an indication for ankle MRI were prospectively enrolled. Each patient underwent a conventional TSE protocol and a prospectively undersampled DLR-TSE protocol. Four experienced radiologists independently assessed image quality using a 5-point scale and reviewed structural abnormalities. Image quality assessment included overall image quality, differentiation of anatomic details, diagnostic confidence, artifacts, and noise. Interchangeability analysis was performed to evaluate the equivalence of DLR-TSE relative to conventional TSE for detection of structural pathologies.

RESULTS

In total, 56 patients were included (mean age, 32.6 ± 10.6 years; 35 men). The DLR-TSE (233 s) protocol enabled a 57.4 % reduction in total acquisition time, compared with the conventional TSE protocol (547 s). DLR-TSE images had superior overall image quality, fewer artifacts, and less noise (all P < 0.05), compared with conventional TSE images, according to mean ratings by the four readers. Differentiation of anatomic details, diagnostic confidence, and assessments of structural abnormalities showed no differences between the two techniques (P > 0.05). Furthermore, DLR-TSE demonstrated diagnostic equivalence with conventional TSE, based on interchangeability analysis involving all analyzed structural abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

DLR can prospectively accelerate conventional TSE to a level comparable with a 4-minute comprehensive examination of the ankle, while providing superior image quality and similar lesion detectability in clinical practice.

SSR white paper: guidelines for utilization and performance of direct MR arthrography

OBJECTIVE

Direct magnetic resonance arthrography (dMRA) is often considered the most accurate imaging modality for the evaluation of intra-articular structures, but utilization and performance vary widely without consensus. The purpose of this white paper is to develop consensus recommendations on behalf of the Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) based on published literature and expert opinion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Standards and Guidelines Committee of the SSR identified guidelines for utilization and performance of dMRA as an important topic for study and invited all SSR members with expertise and interest to volunteer for the white paper panel. This panel was tasked with determining an outline, reviewing the relevant literature, preparing a written document summarizing the issues and controversies, and providing recommendations.

RESULTS

Twelve SSR members with expertise in dMRA formed the ad hoc white paper authorship committee. The published literature on dMRA was reviewed and summarized, focusing on clinical indications, technical considerations, safety, imaging protocols, complications, controversies, and gaps in knowledge. Recommendations for the utilization and performance of dMRA in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot regions were developed in group consensus.

CONCLUSION

Although direct MR arthrography has been previously used for a wide variety of clinical indications, the authorship panel recommends more selective application of this minimally invasive procedure. At present, direct MR arthrography remains an important procedure in the armamentarium of the musculoskeletal radiologist and is especially valuable when conventional MRI is indeterminant or results are discrepant with clinical evaluation.

Imaging of the Ankle Ligaments and Cartilage Injuries as an Aid to Ankle Preservation Surgery

Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries and can lead to ankle ligament and cartilage injuries. Imaging plays an important role in differentiating ligament injuries from other causes of ankle pain such as fractures, osteochondral lesions or tendon injuries that helps guide further management. Chronic untreated ankle ligamentous and cartilage injuries can further progress to ankle osteoarthritis, hence the need for timely diagnosis and treatment. Surgical treatment is often required in patients not responding to conservative treatment and ranges from repair and reconstruction procedures for ligament injuries to arthroscopic debridement and repair procedures for cartilage injuries. Cartilage defects and deficiency may be augmented depending on the extent of cartilage loss and associated subchondral changes on MRI. Awareness of operative techniques utilized is essential to interpret imaging findings in postoperative settings.

Radiological features accompanying peroneus brevis split rupture revealed on magnetic resonance imaging - a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Peroneal split tears are an underrated cause of ankle pain. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for diagnosis, split tears are challenging to identify. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of peroneus brevis split rupture with abnormalities of the superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR), anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), joint effusion, morphology of the malleolar groove, presence of the bone marrow oedema and prominent peroneal tuberculum.

METHODS

Ankle MRI cases were assessed by independent observers retrospectively in two groups: one with peroneus brevis split tears (n = 80) and one without (control group, n = 115). Two observers evaluated the soft tissue lesions, and three graded the bone lesions. Fisher's exact test and Pearson correlation were used for analysis. The Bonferroni-Holm method (B-H) was used to adjust for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Only bone marrow edema in the posterior part of the lateral malleolus was significantly (p < 0.05) more common in the split tear group after applying B-H. SPR total rupture was seen only in the experimental group. No differences in incidence of ATFL and CFL lesions or other SPR lesions were noticed (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Bone marrow edema in the posterior part of the lateral malleolus is associated with peroneus split tears on MRI.

Quantitative analysis with load–displacement ratio measured via digital arthrometer in the diagnostic evaluation of chronic ankle instability: a cross-sectional study

Background

Arthrometry has been introduced to evaluate the laxity of ankle joint in recent years. However, its role in the diagnosis of chronic ankle instability is still debatable. Therefore, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a digital arthrometer in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

Methods

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria proposed by the International Ankle Consortium, we recruited 160 uninjured ankles (control group) and 153 ankles with chronic ankle instability (CAI group). Ankle laxity was quantitively measured by a validated digital arthrometer. Data of loading force and joint displacement were recorded in a continuous manner. Differences between the control and CAI groups were compared using 2-tailed independent t test. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to calculate area under a curve, sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Load–displacement curves of the two groups were depicted. Differences of joint displacement between the control and CAI groups were compared at 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 N, which were all of statistical significance (all p < 0.001) with the largest effect size at 90 N. Statistical significance was found in the differences between the two groups in load–displacement ratio at 10–120 N, 10–40 N, 40–80 N and 80–120 N (all p < 0.001), with the largest effect size at 10–40 N. Load–displacement ratio at the interval of 10–40 N had the highest area under a curve (0.9226), with sensitivity and specificity of 0.804 and 0.863, respectively, when the cutoff point was 0.1582 mm/N.

Conclusion

The digital arthrometer measurement could quantitively analyze the ankle laxity with high diagnostic accuracy. The load–displacement ratio would be a reliable and promising approach for chronic ankle instability diagnosis.

Level of evidence level II.

Magnetic Resonance Accuracy in the Diagnosis of Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament Acute Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The studies about injury to the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) are focused mainly on chronic symptoms and chronic instability, and the literature about the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute injuries is quite lacking.

METHODS

This systematic review with meta-analysis analyzes the diagnostic accuracy of MRI on acute ATFL injury. Relative studies were retrieved after searching three databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails). Eligible studies were summarized. The quality of the included articles was assessed using the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Data were extracted to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity of MRI.

RESULTS

Seven studies met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. For MRI, the pooled sensitivities and specificity in diagnosing acute ATFL injury were respectively 1.0 (95% CI: 0.58-1) and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.79-0.96). Pooled LR+ and LR- were respectively 10.4 (95% CI: 4.6-23) and 0 (95% CI: 0-0.82).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the accuracy of imaging for the diagnosis of acute ATFL injury. Our results demonstrated that MRI shows high diagnostic accuracy in the diagnosis of acute ATFL lesions. These results suggest that routine MRI in the case of suspected ATFL acute injury may be clinically useful, although this is not done in clinical practice due probably to high cost.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Trauma to the Ankle

Acute injuries to the ankle are frequently encountered in the setting of the emergency room, sport, and general practice. This ACR Appropriateness Criteria defines best practices for imaging evaluation for several variants of patients presenting with acute ankle trauma. The variants include scenarios when Ottawa Rules can be evaluated, when there are exclusionary criteria, when Ottawa Rules cannot be evaluated, as well as specific injuries. Clinical scenarios are followed by the imaging choices and their appropriateness with an accompanying narrative explanation to help physicians to order the most appropriate imaging test. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Evaluation of the anterior inferior tibiofibular and anterior talofibular ligaments using 2D oblique coronal imaging and 3D isotropic resolution T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences at 3.0 T: Is there additional diagnostic value?

INTRODUCTION

To compare diagnostic performance of additional two-dimensional (2D) oblique coronal view and three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted fast spin-echo(FSE) images for diagnosing injury of the anterior inferior tibiofibular (AiTFL) and anterior talofibular ligaments (ATFL).

METHODS

This study included 48 patients with ankle sprain who had undergone MRI using standard protocol and two additional sequences with 2D oblique coronal and 3D isotropic images, followed by arthroscopic surgery. Ligament injuries was subdivided by intact tendon, partial or complete tear. Retrospectively, two musculoskeletal radiologists respectively reviewed three image sets of MR including 2D axial image only (set 1), 2D axial and oblique coronal images (set 2), and 2D axial with 3D-isotropic images (set 3). Using arthroscopic findings as reference standard, diagnostic performances of both methods were analysed by the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Arthroscopy confirmed 13 AiTFL and 41 ATFL injuries. For AiTFL, when set 1 and set 3 were compared, AUC value was significantly higher for set 3 (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between AUC values for set 2 and set 3 sequences by either reader for either type of tear (P > 0.05). For ATFL, both readers found there was no significant difference in AUC values between set 1 and set 3 and between set 2 and set 3.

CONCLUSION

Additional oblique coronal sequence demonstrated better diagnostic performance for AiTFL injury than conventional and isotropic imaging did. This sequence showed as much diagnostic accuracy as isotropic sequence for evaluation of ATFL injury.

Evaluating and Differentiating Ankle Instability

Given the prevalence of lateral ankle sprains during physical activity and the high rate of reinjury and chronic ankle instability, clinicians should be cognizant of the need to expand the evaluation of ankle instability beyond the acute time point. Physical assessments of the injured ankle should be similar, regardless of whether this is the initial lateral ankle sprain or the patient has experienced multiple sprains. To this point, a thorough injury history of the affected ankle provides important information during the clinical examination. The physical examination should assess the talocrural and subtalar joints, and clinicians should be aware of efficacious diagnostic tools that provide information about the status of injured structures. As patients progress into the subacute and return-to-activity phases after injury, comprehensive assessments of lateral ankle-complex instability will identify any disease and patient-oriented outcome deficits that resemble chronic ankle instability, which should be addressed with appropriate interventions to minimize the risk of developing long-term, recurrent ankle instability.

Ultrasound Characteristics of Foot and Ankle Structures in Healthy, Coper, and Chronically Unstable Ankles

OBJECTIVE

Ankle sprains constitute approximately 85% of all ankle injuries, and up to 70% of people experience residual symptoms. While the injury to ligaments is well understood, the potential role of other foot and ankle structures has not been explored. The objective was to characterize and compare selected ankle structures in participants with and without a history of lateral ankle sprain.

METHODS

A total of 71 participants were divided into 31 healthy, 20 coper, and 20 chronic ankle instability groups. Ultrasound images of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, fibularis tendons and muscles, tibialis posterior, and Achilles tendon were obtained. Thickness, length, and cross-sectional areas were measured and compared among groups.

RESULTS

When under tension, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) was longer in copers and chronic ankle instability groups compared to healthy participants (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). The chronic ankle instability group had the thickest ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament among the 3 groups (p < 0.001). No significant differences (P > .05) in tendons and muscles were observed among the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The ultrasound protocol proved reliable and was used to evaluate the length, thickness, and cross-sectional areas of selected ankle structures. The length of the ATFL and the thickness of the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament were longer and thicker in injured groups compared to healthy.

Imaging diagnosis for chronic lateral ankle ligament injury: a systemic review with meta-analysis

Background

Various imaging techniques have been utilized for the diagnosis of chronic lateral ankle ligament injury. This systemic review will explore the effectiveness of different imaging techniques in diagnosing chronic lateral ankle ligament injury.

Methods

Relative studies were retrieved after searching 3 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails). Eligible studies were summarized. Data were extracted to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography (US), stress radiography, and arthrography.

Results

Fifteen studies met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 695 participants were included. The pooled sensitivities in diagnosing chronic ATFL injury were 0.83 [0.78, 0.87] for MRI, 0.99 [0.96, 1.00] for US, and 0.81 [0.68, 0.90] for stress radiography. The pooled specificities in diagnosing chronic ATFL injury were 0.79 [0.69, 0.87] for MRI, 0.91 [0.82, 0.97] for US, and 0.92 [0.79, 0.98] for stress radiography. The pooled sensitivities in diagnosing chronic CFL injury were 0.56 [0.46, 0.66] for MRI, 0.94 [0.85, 0.98] for US, and 0.90 [0.73, 0.98] for arthrography. The pooled specificities in diagnosing chronic CFL injury were 0.88 [0.82, 0.93] for MRI, 0.91 [0.80, 0.97] for US, and 0.90 [0.77, 0.97] for arthrography.

Conclusion

This systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the accuracy of imaging for the diagnosis of chronic lateral ankle ligament injury. Ultrasound manifested high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing chronic lateral ankle ligament injury. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of MRI in detecting chronic CFL injuries.

Advanced MRI Techniques for the Ankle

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this article are to present a state-of-the-art routine protocol for MRI of the ankle, to provide problem-solving tools based on specific clinical indications, and to introduce principles for the implementation of ultrashort echo time MRI of the ankle, including morphologic and quantitative assessment.

CONCLUSION

Ankle injury is common among both athletes and the general population, and MRI is the established noninvasive means of evaluation. The design of an ankle protocol depends on various factors. Higher magnetic field improves signal-to-noise ratio but increases metal artifact. Specialized imaging planes are useful but prolong acquisition times. MR neurography is useful, but metal reduction techniques are needed whenever a metal prosthesis is present. An ultrashort echo time sequence is a valuable tool for both structural and quantitative evaluation.