High resolution ultrasonography in ankle joint pain: Where does it stand?

The ankle is frequently injured in trauma, overuse syndrome and inflammatory processes. Different imaging modalities assess the ankle, including plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography (US). Our objective is to assess the role of high resolution US as a valuable tool in the depiction of causes of ankle joint pain. The study included 28 patients presented with ankle pain ranging in age from 17 to 60years. They were examined by US and findings were correlated with MRI. US was capable to detect various lesions (synovitis, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, tendon and ligamentous lesions). It had a sensitivity of 95.4%, a specificity of 83.3% and an overall accuracy of 92.8%. US had a limited value in detection of avascular necrosis (AVN), bone marrow oedema and fractures. US can be used as a first step diagnostic tool in cases of ankle pain. MRI should be spared to cases with negative or equivocal US findings.