MR imaging of the ankle and foot-A review of the normal imaging appearance with an illustration of common disorders

This article aims to provide a brief overview of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ankle for the clinician. A basic review of MRI protocols for the region is followed by discussion of the most common imaging sequences. The appearance of normal ankle anatomy is reviewed with emphasis on structures prone to injury; congenital and developmental abnormalities and normal variants. These are correlated to annotated images. Imaging of ankle and foot pathology and trauma is then discussed with emphasis on the identification of ankle pathology for the manual physician. Illustrative examples are given with discussion of specific common conditions including avascular necrosis, accessory navicular, Haglund's syndrome, Morton's neuroma, osteochondral defects, osteomyelitis, os trigonum syndrome, peroneus quartus, plantar fasciitis and tendinitis/tendinosis.