Previous Next When there is a need for a comprehensive diagnosis of the ankle, the doctor prescribes an MRI of the ankle joint (ankle). Of all the existing hardware diagnostic methods (CT, X-ray and ultrasound), magnetic resonance imaging is considered one of the most gentle and safe techniques. Using this study, a radiologist, without surgical intervention, assesses the condition of the muscles and ligaments of the joint, determines the presence of inflammatory and degenerative changes in soft, bone and cartilage tissue, and conducts a differential diagnosis of neoplasms, injuries and violations of the integrity of bones, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. During the tomographic procedure, the diagnostician receives maximum information about the real state of all structures of the ankle joint, including the presence of microcracks, tears, tendon damage, ruptures or separations of ligaments.
- MRI
- Ultrasound
MRI tomograph:
Siemens Magnetom C
Type:
Open (expert class)
What's included in the price:
Diagnostics, interpretation of images, written report from a radiologist, recording of tomograms on CD + free consultation with a neurologist or orthopedist after an MRI of the spine or joint
Ultrasound machine
HITACHI HI VISION Avius
Class:
Expert (installation year 2019)
What's included in the price:
Diagnostics, interpretation of images, written diagnostic report
What will an MRI of the ankle show?
MRI images of the ankle show a wide range of joint diseases, including:
- abscess and arthritis, Achilles tendinitis;
- joint bone cracks and fractures;
- all types of bone infections;
- tears, sprains and injuries of tendons and cartilage;
- ankle muscle damage, osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis);
- rupture of the plantar fascia, tendon dysfunction;
- rupture of the Achilles tendon in the ankle area;
- malignant and benign neoplasms of bone or soft tissue;
- pinched nerves, deformities, gout, arthrosis;
- circulatory disorders in the vascular bed of the joint.
Treatment of ligamentous ruptures of the foot and ankle joint in the clinic
Sprains can be treated on an outpatient basis and with conservative methods. For tears that last 10 days or more, a plaster splint must be applied. Additionally, physical therapy may be performed. It is carried out from 2-3 days after injury. In this case, the splint is removed during the procedures. The patient regains ability to work after 3 weeks. Moreover, the rehabilitation period depends on a number of factors: the severity of the injury and individual characteristics, the overall speed of recovery and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations.
Patients with complete ligament rupture usually require hospitalization, but surgery is not necessary. This is due to the fact that the ligaments grow together on their own while ensuring complete rest. In case of severe pain, an anesthetic drug is first injected into the damaged area. If blood has accumulated in the joint, it is removed by puncture. An anesthetic is also injected into the joint. A plaster splint is placed on the leg. Usually the patient wears it for at least 2-3 weeks. To speed up recovery processes, UHF is usually prescribed. In addition, special measures are taken to improve nutrition in the damaged area. From the first days after the injury, the patient is recommended to gradually move his toes, bend and straighten the knee, and strain the lower leg. This prevents muscle atrophy and allows you to strengthen the knee joint. After removing the splints, massage, physical therapy exercises and warm therapeutic baths are prescribed.
Important! All recommendations should be given exclusively by a doctor. Only he knows how the patient can recover faster and not harm himself.
A tight bandage must be worn for 2 months after the injury. It allows for complete restoration of the ligament and prevents its re-rupture.
Dislocation and rupture of ligaments
The ankle joint is a complex structure made up of four bones, with two shin bones enclosing the foot bones.
Due to this, the joint is able to move flexion, extension, abduction and adduction. All these bones are connected and secured by ligaments. When the ankle is injured, it is the ankle that is most often injured. The ligaments can either tear, tear, or tear off. Doctors also call this pathology subluxation or dislocation of the ankle joint. You can treat a torn ankle ligament at home by bandaging the foot, applying ice, and using anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ointments. But, if you cannot step on your foot without pain or see that your leg is very swollen from inflammation, you should definitely contact an orthopedic traumatologist, since there is a high probability of an ankle fracture. Also, severe pain will indicate that the ligaments may have ruptured or been torn off, and doctors will need to perform an operation to stitch them together. Initial appointment with an ORTHOPEDIST
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Symptoms of rupture of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot and ankle joint
The following signs are characteristic of a rupture of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot and ankle joint:
- pain when moving;
- bruising in the area of injury;
- swelling.
There may be bruising in the joint area. When the ligaments of the joint are torn, swelling spreads to the front and back surfaces of the foot. A complete rupture is accompanied by hemorrhage into the joint and more pronounced swelling. The movement of the injured person is often very difficult or completely impossible due to pain.
Preparation
In order for the examination to be effective, you should take the list of contraindications and preliminary preparation seriously. Before starting the MRI procedure, it is imperative to get rid of all, even the smallest, metal objects, glasses, watches and hairpins, as well as electronic devices. Remember, MRI and metal are two things that don't go together. The powerful magnetic field of the tomograph is capable of moving metal objects, even implanted into the body. Therefore, it is imperative to inform medical personnel about the presence of any implants and provide documents describing what material they are made of. Most modern medical alloys do not have magnetic properties and are approved for examination using MRI.
Prevention of rupture of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot and ankle joint and medical recommendations
To prevent ligamentous rupture and joint damage, you should:
- Develop muscles. It is the muscles that help “hold” the joint and prevent injury. To develop muscles, you need to exercise regularly.
- Control your weight. Excess body weight negatively affects the health of joints and creates additional stress on them.
- Eliminate the risk of injury (if possible). Try to walk carefully, avoid wearing high-heeled shoes, etc.
- Adhere to the principles of proper nutrition. The diet should include a sufficient amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein foods.
- Take vitamin complexes. They allow you to saturate the body with valuable substances.
- See a doctor regularly if you have any problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Our doctor will tell you about all the features of preventing recurrent ruptures. He will give individual recommendations to each patient undergoing treatment at the clinic.
If you are planning to undergo prevention of rupture of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot and ankle joint or find out about preventive measures, call us by phone or leave a request on the website. The specialist will answer all questions and make an appointment at a convenient time.
How is an ankle MRI performed?
An MRI of the ankle joint is performed using a special machine called a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. During the procedure, you will lie on your back on a special couch. The stretchers will move until the ankle is in the center of the resonance imaging scanner. During the diagnostic scan, you will not experience any unpleasant sensations or discomfort, with the exception of a slight warming in the ankle joint. Since everyone, including the radiologist, leaves the diagnostic room during the MRI of the ankle, you will be provided with an intercom to communicate with the medical staff. When the MRI procedure begins, the machine will emit short loud sounds, reminiscent of machine gun fire, in a sequence of 3-7 minutes. The sounds record the time when the magnetic resonance imaging scanner takes pictures. To eliminate discomfort from noise, patients are advised to use earplugs or special sound-canceling headphones. Tomographic scanning does not require special preparation, does not cause complications or poor health after completion. Depending on the type of MRI - with or without contrast - it can take from 20 to 40 minutes.
Rehabilitation treatment after ankle ligament injuries
It is very important to consider a course of rehabilitation treatment for such injuries in order for the function of the ankle joint to be restored to the maximum extent. Upon discharge from the hospital, the patient receives a detailed plan of rehabilitation measures. Rehabilitation treatment includes a course of physiotherapeutic treatment, shock wave therapy, a set of active and passive exercises aimed at strengthening and stretching the muscles with partial load on the joint, and exercises to develop movements in the joint. In addition, at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences, on the basis of the rehabilitation treatment department, a biomechanics laboratory has been created, in which patients undergo rehabilitation after various injuries of the musculoskeletal system, incl. professional athletes. On its basis, various walking parameters are studied, and an optimal rehabilitation plan is developed in accordance with the data obtained.
Decoding
At the end of the procedure, you receive a series of digital images of the ankle joint with a description of the detected abnormalities, as well as an official report with a detailed explanation and recommendations from the diagnostician. Medicine is an area where we want to be 100% sure. Therefore, at your request, we will be happy to offer the service of a second independent opinion.
An example of an MRI transcript of the ankle joint
On a series of MRIs of the left ankle joint, the relationships in the joint were not disturbed.
The bones that form the ankle joint have a normal configuration and are positioned correctly. The notch formed by the ankles is well developed.
The cartilage covering of the ankle, subtalar and talonavicular joints is thinned, the joint spaces are not narrowed.
The synovial membrane is hypertrophied.
In the anterior outer parts of the tibia and the inner parts of the lateral malleolus, areas of local low-intensity bone marrow edema are noted.
An increase in the intensity of the MR signal from the anterior talofibular ligament, signs of partial damage, and swelling of the fatty tissue in the adjacent sections are determined. Other ligaments of the joint without reliable signs of rupture. The interosseous ligament between the talus and calcaneus is intact.
The Achilles tendon has normal thickness and course; in the distal parts there is a slight increase in signal, with the general tension of the tendon remaining intact. The adipose tissue surrounding the tendon is unchanged.
The tendons and plantar aponeurosis are unremarkable.
Paraarticular soft tissues are not changed.
An accumulation of fluid is detected in the cavity of the ankle and subtalar joints.
Conclusion:
MRI signs of grade 2 deforming arthrosis of the ankle and subtalar joints; damage to the anterior talofibular ligament; Achilles tendinopathy. Intra-articular effusion.
It is difficult for an ordinary person to independently understand and interpret the results that, after an MRI, will be given to him on a digital medium. Therefore, with the conclusion of the radiologist and the photographs, he should go for a consultation with the attending physician, who will make a final diagnosis based on the summary data of the examination, medical history and tomography data. In our clinic , after an MRI, you can have a free consultation with a neurologist or orthopedist . Doctor
- will answer all questions based on the results of the research and the conclusion received
- Helps explain tomography results without using complex radiological terminology
- will conduct an examination and, if necessary, offer treatment.
“Second independent opinion” service Medicine is an area where we want to be 100% sure . Therefore, at your request, we will be happy to offer you the service of a second independent opinion from the leading consultant of our clinic, Candidate of Medical Sciences , a doctor of the highest category with 18 years of experience in the field of tomography and radiology N.V. Marchenko.
Diagnosis of rupture of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot and ankle joint in the clinic
An experienced traumatologist can make a diagnosis after studying the patient’s complaints, studying the medical history and an objective examination. When the anterior ligaments are torn, the foot moves forward freely. If the collateral ligaments are torn, the lateral mobility of the foot increases. The examination is provided by a traumatologist in comparison with a healthy joint.
Our doctors have all the necessary skills and knowledge for quick diagnosis. If necessary, they prescribe instrumental studies.
All about ankle ligament injuries
Ligaments play not only the role of fastenings and clamps. They also, together with other elements (muscles, fascia, tendons), participate in connecting the bones of the foot and lower leg into one solid structure. If this joint is subjected to a force greater than what it can withstand, it usually results in damage to the ankle ligaments.
What are the types and mechanisms of traumatic effects?
The following types of damage to the ligamentous apparatus of this area are distinguished:
- stretching, when the fibers are damaged, but their integrity is maintained;
- ruptures, during which the anatomical integrity is completely or almost completely lost, and the function completely disappears;
- an incomplete rupture, which is sometimes called a tear. It belongs to a separate category of injuries and is almost never accompanied by dysfunction of the joint.
If the traumatic force acts not only on the ligamentous apparatus, but also on the bones and muscle tissue of the area, then the likelihood that damage will occur becomes minimal. Depending on the magnitude of the applied force, either a violation of the integrity of tissues and bones, or deformation may occur.
What is the clinical picture of ankle ligament injuries?
All clinical manifestations depend on the degree of damage that occurs, as well as on the number of ligaments that have been subjected to traumatic effects.
The first degree, which occurs with sprains, is characterized by slight pain when supporting the lower limb, as well as when moving the joint. In this case, the function is practically not impaired, the area of injury only swells a little and turns red or blue (if there is a hematoma).
The second degree, which is placed for small tears of several ligamentous fibers. In this case, the patient complains of more intense pain during movements and even at rest; swelling and a large hematoma almost always occur. Fluid may collect in the joint capsule.
When a ligament ruptures, which is classified as the third degree of damage, significantly pronounced pain symptoms come to the fore, due to which movements in the joint become almost impossible. The hematoma and edema are even more pronounced compared to the previous stage. Often a lot of blood accumulates in the joint cavity (the occurrence of hemarthrosis). In some cases, the ligaments can even tear off along with a section of bone tissue, which only requires surgical intervention.
How to treat such pathological conditions?
First degree injuries do not require hospitalization in a trauma hospital; they are treated on an outpatient basis. In this case, the joint is fixed with a figure-of-eight bandage and ice is applied, placed in a heating pad or bag and wrapped in a towel. After two days, the local application of cold is canceled and thermal procedures are prescribed - paraffin, physiotherapy, UHF.
Manual therapy treatment is also used. In any case, the scope of treatment should be determined only by a doctor who, taking into account the severity of the condition and the severity of the clinical picture, will decide whether you need to be hospitalized in a hospital or sent home with certain recommendations.
If the patient is experiencing severe pain, then he needs to be given analgesics. If the doctor detects hemarthrosis, he performs a puncture and removes the accumulated blood, after which he applies a plaster splint. Decongestants, massage, and physiotherapeutic procedures are also prescribed. It is mandatory to use physical therapy in this case, the exercises of which are divided into three successive periods:
— immobilization, when the patient, in a supine position, moves his fingers, performs movements in the knee and hip joints, while straining the corresponding muscles;
- post-immobilization, during which it is allowed to perform active movements in the joints immersed in warm water, you can straighten and bend the feet, and perform circular movements with them;
- during the last, recovery period, you can use movements performed with some resistance or obstacle. You can, for example, roll a ball or stick on the ground, or walk up and down stairs.
Methods for diagnosing this pathology include radiography, ultrasound diagnostics, as well as MRI, arthrography and thermography, which are widely used today.
Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr