Eric Georges Pessis MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Raphael Campagna MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Fabienne Bach MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Antoine A. Feydy MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alain Chevrot MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean-Luc Drape MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the accuracy of MR arthrography and CT arthrography in assessing the anterolateral recess of the ankle

Forty-three patients with chronic ankle pain prospectively underwent gadolinium-enhanced MR arthrography and CT arthrography of the tibio-talar joint. All patients underwent clinical examination and were included if anterolateral impingement (n=22) or a control condition (n =21) was diagnosed at arthroscopy. MR imaging included transverse and coronal 3D fiesta sequences, sagittal T2-weighted fat-suppressed, axial T1-weighted fat-suppressed imaging sequences. MR and CT arthrographic findings were correlated with subsequent arthroscopic appearances.

For the assessment of anterolateral impingement of the ankle, MR arthrography had an accuracy of 93%, sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 88%. Thickening of the anterior talofibular ligament associated with focal or diffuse thickening of the anterolateral capsular tissues were identified at MR arthrography in 19 cases, and in no one of the control cases. No significant difference was found between CT and MR arthrography

The finding of a soft tissue scarring associated with a thickened anterior talofibular ligament is suggestive of the diagnosis of anterolateral impingement of the ankle.

Anterolateral impingement of the ankle can be assessed with CT arthrography or MR arthrography

Pessis, E, Campagna, R, Bach, F, Feydy, A, Chevrot, A, Drape, J, Anterolateral Recess of the Ankle: Assessment with CT Arthrography and MR Arthrography.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6007569.html