The Usefulness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Anterolateral Impingement of the Ankle

Anterior impingement syndrome in dancers

“…MRI has been studied to evaluate its accuracy to identify purely soft tissue impingement. T1 and proton density axial views demonstrating thickened synovium in the anterior lateral joint space or hypertrophy of the anterior talo-fibular ligament are the findings most consistently associated with impingement at arthroscopy [12[k3]]. The identification of chondral injury to the anterior aspect of the joint is also helpful as this finding decreases the likelihood that arthroscopic debridement of anterior osteophytes and hypertrophied tissue will result in significant improvement.…”

Evaluation and Treatment of Anterolateral Ankle Impingement Syndrome

“…Pain on single‐leg squatting is reported to have 92% sensitivity, and anterolateral joint tenderness with edema has 50%‐100% sensitivity; however, specificity data were not reported [10]. With regard to imaging, several studies have compared MRI with arthroscopic findings of synovial irregularity and nodularity, with sensitivity that ranged from 39%‐100% and specificity that ranged from 50%‐100% [11,12]. The variability likely relates to the MRI magnet strengths, inconsistent protocols, and varying experience in ankle MRI interpretation [12].…”

Update on anterior ankle impingement

“…However, for the soft tissue impingement, MR arthrography is highly accurate in the assessment with a sensitivity of 96 %, specificity of 100 %, and an accuracy of 100 % when clinical signs of anterolateral impingement are present [35,36]. T1 and proton density axial MRI images are the most useful sequences in diagnosing anterolateral impingement of the ankle [17,37]. Moreover, thickened synovium in the anterolateral aspect of the ankle is a consistent finding associated with soft tissue impingement [8].…”