Role of Ultrasonography in Assessment of Painful Ankle

Abstract

Different imaging modalities, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound (US) can be used to evaluate the ankle. However, US has multiple benefits for the evaluation of the ligaments and tendons of the ankle joint, such as its suitability to be integrated with a dynamic examination and its ability to provide real-time analysis which helps the radiologist to identify the pain location and to compare with the other side, its avoidance of the risk of radiation exposure, and its cost-effectiveness.(2) US is especially powerful when used to evaluate a tear, subluxation, or dislocation in a dynamic examination and when performing a comparison with the contralateral extremity.(3) Dynamic imaging with muscle contraction or passive movement is also helpful. Additionally, Colored Doppler imaging may be used to differentiate small intrasubstance tears from blood vessels that can occur in a tendinopathic tendon.(4)