MR Imaging of Ankle Inversion Injuries

Ankle inversions are common in the general population and in athletes. Multiple concurrent injuries are a common result of an ankle-inversion injury. Syndesmosis injury, lateral ankle ligament tears, peroneal retinaculum or tendon injury, osteochondral lesion, or fracture may occur. Chronic pain or instability may result from one or more of these injuries. MR imaging provides superior soft tissue resolution, high sensitivity for occult fractures, and the ability to image the articular cartilage and ankle ligaments directly. This article discusses the MR imaging evaluation of acute and chronic ankle inversion injuries.