engleski

A look Inside: the ankle joint

The foot and ankle joint is a very complex structure, made up of many bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons. When an ankle injury does occur it usually affects one or more of the ligaments that hold the ankle joint in place. If the injury is severe enough damage may also occur to the tendons that attach the muscles to the bones. The ligaments that are commonly affected by an ankle sprain are the ones located on the lateral side of the ankle. In addition to routine history and physical exame, it is useful to obtain an imaging study to confirm a suspected diagnosis. X-rays excel at identifying bone changes and fractures but are not particularly useful in evaluating tendon and ligament injuries, masses, and infection. Cross-sectional CT allows detailed evaluation of superimposed overlying structures on conventional x - rays images. CT is the best exam for precisely determining the extent of a complex fracture. Other uses are to evaluate fusion of joints (tarsal coalition), to quantitate the degree and location of arthritis at a joint, and for localization of a foreign bodies. While soft tissues also visible, CT is not as capable at characterizing soft tissue abnormalities as MRI. MRI is capable of detecting anatomic abnormailities, excels at characterizing masses and evaluating the extent of soft tissue injury. Ultrasound, in experienced hands, is able to detect ligaments and tendon abnormalities and masses, and has become a first line imaging modality for evaluation of sports injuries.

ankle joint - anatomy and pathology

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