Plausible mechanisms of and techniques to assess ankle joint degeneration following lateral ankle sprains: a narrative review

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is the most common lower extremity musculoskeletal injury sustained during daily life and sport. The cascade of events that starts with ligamentous trauma leads to clinical manifestations such as recurrent sprains and giving way episodes, hallmark characteristics of chronic ankle instability (CAI). The sequelae of lateral ankle sprains and CAI appear to contribute to aberrant biomechanics. Combined, joint trauma and aberrant biomechanics appear to directly and/or indirectly play a role in talar cartilage degeneration. Up to 80% of all cases of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) are post-traumatic in nature and common etiologies for ankle post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) are histories of a single and recurrent ankle sprains. Despite known links between LAS, CAI, and PTOA and evidence demonstrating the burden of LAS and its sequelae, early pathoetiological changes of ankle PTOA and how they can be assessed are poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review the plausible mechanistic links among LAS and its sequelae of CAI and PTOA as well as review non-surgical techniques that can quantify talar cartilage health. Understanding the pathway from ligamentous ankle injury to ankle PTOA is vital to developing theoretically sound therapeutic interventions aimed at slowing ankle PTOA progression. Further, directly assessing talar cartilage health non-surgically provides opportunities to quantify if current and novel intervention strategies are able to slow the progression of ankle PTOA.     

Injuries of the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle: assessment with MR imaging

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of MRI to display injuries of the lateral collateral ligamentous complex in patients with an acute ankle distorsion trauma. The MR examinations of 36 patients with ankle pain after ankle distorsion were evaluated retrospectively without knowledge of clinical history, outcome and/or operative findings. The examinations were performed on a 1.5-T whole-body imager using a flexible surface coil. The signs for ligamentous abnormality were as follows: complete or partial discontinuity, increased signal within, and irregularity and waviness of the ligament. The results were compared with operative findings in 18 patients with subsequent surgical repair. Eighteen patients with conservative therapy had a follow-up MR examination after 3 months. There was 1 sprain, 3 partial and 32 complete tears of the anterior talofibular ligament, and 5 sprains, 5 partial, and 7 complete tears of the calcaneofibular ligament. There were no lesions of the posterior talofibular ligament. Compared with surgery, MRI demonstrated in 18 of 18 cases the exact extent of anterior talofibular ligament injuries and underestimated the extent in 2 of 8 cases of calcaneofibular ligament injury. In patients with follow-up MRI after conservative therapy, a thickened band-like structure was found along the course of the injured ligament in 17 of 18 cases. The absence of ligament repair after conservative treatment was confirmed during operative revision in one case. The MRI technique allows for grading of the extent of injury of the lateral collateral ligamentous complex after acute ankle strain. It seems to be suitable for monitoring the healing process after conservative-functional treatment of ligament tears. Received: 29 June 1998; Revision received: 21 October 1998; Accepted: 22 October 1998     

The effect of an ankle brace on the 3-dimensional kinematics and tibio-talar contact condition for lateral ankle sprains

Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles were studied to investigate the effect of an ankle brace (Air-Stirrup) on the three-dimensional (3-D) motion and contact-pressure distribution of the talo-tibial joint with lateral ligamentous injury. Three-dimensional motion and contact-pressure distribution were simultaneously measured under dynamic conditions employing a direct linear-transformation technique and a dynamic-pressure sensor, respectively. Inversion increased significantly upon severing of the anterior talo-fibular (ATF) ligament and calcaneo-fibular (CF) ligaments; however, restoration to the intact level was observed following application of the ankle brace. Internal rotation also increased upon severing of the lateral ligaments in the plantar flexion; however, this difference was not altered by using the ankle brace. The contact area on the articular surface of the talus shifted from posterior to anterior between plantar flexion and dorsal flexion; additionally, a high pressure area was evident in the medial aspect of the talus following severing of the lateral ligaments. Upon application of the ankle brace, however, no significant changes were apparent in the contact condition. The results of this study suggest that stabilization against inversion is the major function of braces in terms of protection of ankle sprains. Ankle sprains, however, often occur in combinations of inversion, plantar flexion and internal rotation; therefore, restriction of plantar flexion and internal rotation may also be an important function of the ankle brace.     

Trabecular trauma of the talus and medial malleolus concurrent with lateral collateral ligamentous injuries of the ankle: evaluation with MR imaging

 Objective. The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationship between lateral collateral ligamentous injuries of the ankle (ankle sprain) and bone bruise (trabecular trauma) of the talus and/or malleoli in the patients with twisting injuries of the ankle. Design. Magnetic resonance studies of the ankle were retrospectively reviewed, focusing on the presence or absence of lateral collateral ligamentous injuries and the location of bone bruise in the talus and/or malleoli. Patients. Thirty-five patients with acute twisting injuries of the ankle were studied. Results and conclusion. Four patterns of bone bruise were found in 14 patients: (1) bone bruise in the talar dome equivalent to osteochondral fracture in two patients, (2) bone bruise in the posteromedial aspect of the talus and the medial malleolus singly or in combination in four, (3) bone bruise in the anteromedial aspect of the talus in six, and (4) bone bruise with a combination of the second and third patterns in two. The second pttern was associated with tear of the anterior talofibular (ATAF) ligament in all patients and injury of the calcaneofibular (CF) ligament in one out of four. The third and fourth patterns were associated with tears of both ATAF and CF ligaments in all patients. The identification of bone bruise was of value in indicating lateral collateral ligamentous injuries.     

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle: normal anatomy

An imaging-anatomic correlative study of ankle anatomy based upon six healthy adults and six fresh cadaveric specimens was performed to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Optimal pulsing sequences and imaging planes for various structures of interest were established. MRI afforded exquisite depiction of anatomic detail, particularly the diagnostically important collateral ligaments. Limitations in the ability to delineate the joint capsule and articular cartilage were documented, with the former detectable only on T2 weighted images in the presence of synovial fluid.     

Effects of elastic ankle support on running ankle kinematics in individuals with chronic ankle instability and healthy controls

BackgroundIndividuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have an increased risk for recurrent injuries. The preventive effects of external ankle supports are not fully understood. This study aimed to examine the effect of elastic ankle support on running ankle kinematics.Methods3D running gait analysis of individuals with and without CAI was conducted at three-minute-running trials at 2.78 m/s with and without elastic ankle support in a randomised order. Ankle kinematics and intra-individual standard deviations (variability) were calculated at each percent of the running gait cycle. Group and ankle support effects were calculated using statistical parameter mapping.ResultsTwenty-seven individuals were analysed (CAI: n = 14, controls: n = 13). When wearing ankle support, CAI individuals showed significantly decreased plantarflexion angles at 43–47 % (p = 0.033) and 49–51 % (p = 0.043) of the running gait cycle compared to normal running. In healthy controls, no differences in ankle angles between both conditions were found. Comparisons between CAI individuals and healthy controls showed statistically significant differences in the plantar-/dorsiflexion angles at 38–41 % (p = 0.044) with ankle support and at 34–46 % (p = 0.004) without ankle support. Significant ankle angle variability differences were found for ankle in-/eversion between CAI individuals and healthy controls (p = 0.041) at 32–33 % of the running gait cycle.ConclusionsElastic ankle support reduces the range of sagittal plane running ankle kinematics of CAI individuals but not of healthy controls. Further research is needed to evaluate the association between ankle support effects and the risk for recurrent ankle sprains.     

Prevalence and characteristics of chronic ankle instability and copers identified by the criteria for research and clinical practice in collegiate athletes

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence and characteristics of chronic ankle instability (CAI) and copers among collegiate athletes as identified by criteria for research (CAI-R and copers-R) and for clinical practice (CAI-C and copers-C).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingUniversity.ParticipantsCollegiate athletes (n = 507).Main outcome measuresParticipants were assessed by questionnaires based on the International Ankle Consortium guidelines. The percentages of participants with CAI-R, CAI-C, copers-R and copers-C were calculated, respectively. Demographic and injury data were statistically compared between CAI-R and copers-R groups.ResultsThe data of 470 participants was retained after exclusions. Of these, the prevalence of CAI-R (10.0%) was only half of that of CAI-C (19.8%), and that of copers-R and copers-C was about 5%. Seventy percent of unclassifiable participants had recurrent ankle sprains. CAI was most common in basketball, while copers were less prevalent in basketball, judo, rugby and gymnastics. The age at the initial injury was significantly younger in the CAI-R participants than in the copers-R.ConclusionsThe type of sport and the age at the initial injury may be associated with developing CAI. The standard criteria may not capture the entire clinical CAI population, therefore, care should be taken when applying the research to clinical practice.     

Arthrography of the ankle joint in chronic instability

Papers on arthrography of injuries of the lateral ligaments of the ankle relate mainly to recent distortion of the joint. Arthrography performed at a later stage after injury generally is considered useless. In fact, changes in chronic instability are observed; they are subtle and consist either of small recesses adjacent to the lateral malleolus or communication of the joint with the peroneal tendon sheaths. Arthrography was assessed in 61 cases of recurrent lateral sprains of the ankle more than 2 weeks after acute injury; 38 were considered as positive. Twenty-five patients had operative evaluation, with four false negative and one false positive results. Small recesses adjacent to the lateral malleolus or opacification of the peroneal tendon sheaths are sequelae of an acute sprain with tear of the anterior talofibular and/or the calcaneofibular ligaments. Although false negative results occur, arthrography is useful in the preoperative assessment of chronic ankle instability.     

踝关节运动损伤的MRI表现

运动造成的踝关节损伤的发病率有升高的趋势。MRI是目前诊断踝关节损伤的主要手段,可以明确踝关节骨及软骨、韧带和肌腱的损伤,同时还能评估损伤的程度及范围。就踝关节运动损伤所致的骨损伤、骨软骨损伤、韧带损伤、肌腱损伤的影像表现及其损伤程度的评估进行综述。     

The ankle meter: an instrument for evaluation of anterior talar drawer in ankle sprain

The aim of this study was to work out a clinical test which is possible to measure the anterior talar drawer (ATD) in patients after ankle sprain. The instrument for evaluation was called ankle meter. The instrument consists of two plastic scales (heal scale and tibia scale). The instrument allows quantifying the results of the anterior drawing test. A total of 38 persons (16 men, 22 women) were available as control group. The persons were 28.8±10.1 years old. No proband had any ankle problems in his history. A total of 45 patients (25 males, 20 females) suffering from ankle sprain were included in the study. In these patients stress radiography (147.1 N) was performed to measure the ATD. In control group the clinical measured ATD was 1.7±1.3 mm. Measurement for detect the interobserver validity did not detect significant differences. The ATD of the joint after ankle sprain was significantly higher (8.9±4.3 mm). The difference between healthy and injured ankle in case of an ankle sprain was 7.4±4.2 mm. There was a significant correlation between clinical and radiological measured ATD (R=0.91). The results suggest that it is possible to measure the ATD exactly. The values of the clinical ATD measurement showed a good correlation with the results of stress radiography. Diligent clinical examination in combination with this special test are after this experiences sufficient to classify the severity of injury after ankle sprain.     

Vascular occlusions detected by magnetic resonance imaging

Early experience with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicates that it is well suited as a noninvasive vascular imaging modality. Blood flow at physiologic velocities results in a low signal within the vessel lumen and this property allows the separation of flowing blood from surrounding soft tissues. While flow effects, aneurysms, and mural lesions have been emphasized in the literature, vascular occlusions have received less attention. We evaluated 21 patients with documented venous or arterial occlusions on a 0.12-T developmental resistive unit. Venous occlusions caused by thrombus generally appeared as focal regions of increased signal. In 3 of 10 cases the venous thrombus itself could not be identified but the absence of a low-signal lumen in a normal location confirmed the impression of thrombus. In 2 of 17 venous occlusions a rim of low signal was noted around the thrombus. Venous collaterals were commonly seen. Tumor thrombus tended to have signal characteristics similar to the main bulk of the tumor from which it arose. There were four arterial occlusions including two cases of emboli, one arteriosclerotic occlusion, and one case of tumor invasion. Vascular calcifications, clearly evident on plain radiographs, were not seen on MRI. MRI appears to be a potentially useful noninvasive means of detecting vascular occlusions.     

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in anterolateral impingement of the ankle

Objective. To demonstrate the MR imaging findings of anterolateral impingement (ALI) of the ankle. Design and patients. Nine patients with a history of ankle inversion injury and chronic lateral ankle pain were imaged with MR imaging, and the findings correlated with the results of arthroscopy. Three additional patients with clinically suspected ALI of the ankle were also included. Ankle MR imaging studies from 20 control patients in whom ALI was not suspected clinically were examined for similar findings to the patient group. Results. MR imaging findings in the patients with ALI included a soft tissue signal mass in the anterolateral gutter of the ankle in 12 of 12 (100%) cases, corresponding to the synovial hypertrophy and soft tissue mass found at arthroscopy in the nine patients who underwent arthroscopy. Disruption, attenuation, or marked thickening of the anterior talofibular ligament was seen in all cases. Additional findings included signs of synovial hypertrophy elsewhere in the tibiotalar joint in seven of 12 patients (58%) and bony and cartilaginous injuries to the tibiotalar joint in five of 12 (42%). None of the control patients demonstrated MR imaging evidence of a soft tissue mass in the anterolateral gutter. Conclusions. ALI of the ankle is a common cause for chronic lateral ankle pain. It has been well described in the orthopedic literature but its imaging findings have not been clearly elucidated. The MR imaging findings, along with the appropriate clinical history, can be used to direct arthroscopic examination and subsequent debridement. Received: 22 July 1999 Revision requested: 20 September 1999 Revision received: 7 October 1999 Accepted: 8 October 1999     

Bone marrow blood supply in gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

A retrospective study was performed to determine whether bone blood supply can be assessed on gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of 49 patients attending for post-laminectomy examination were reviewed (30 male, 19 female, mean age 46.4 years, age range 23–84 years). Each study included sagittal T1-weighted spin echo sequences before and after gadolinium administration. Regions of interest were drawn within the L3 vertebral body from a parasagittal slice from each sequence. Signal intensity (SI) values were ascertained and the percentage increase in SI was calculated. For each patient, changes in receiver gain for pre and post-gadolinium images were corrected by an image scaling factor. In all cases, a measurable increase in SI was found (mean 15.3%, range 4.4–55.7) due to bone vascularity. The results give no indication of the quantity or timing of blood supply but provide a basis for further work.     

Primary heart angiosarcoma detected by magnetic resonance imaging

We present a case of primary heart angiosarcoma in a 38-year-old male. The patient presented with severe dyspnoe and arrhythmia. Echocardiography showed multiple solid masses in the pericardium and pericardial effusion. Chest radiography revealed left-sided pleural effusion and suspicion of a mass projected on the right atrium. Non-enhanced chest computed tomography raised the suspicion of a pericardial neoplasm projected on the right atrium adjacent to ascending aorta with markedly thickened pericardium and multiple round-shaped masses around the heart. Cardiac-gated magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an inhomogeneous mass in the free wall of the right atrium adjacent to ascending aorta and multiple pericardial masses. Biopsy performed through thoracoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of a primary heart angiosarcoma.     

Extracardiac findings detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Objective

To determine the prevalence and importance of extracardiac findings (ECF) in patients undergoing clinical CMR and to test the hypothesis that the original CMR reading focusing on the heart may underestimate extracardiac abnormalities.

Methods

401 consecutive patients (mean age 53?years) underwent CMR at 1.5?T. Main indications were ischaemic heart disease (n?=?183) and cardiomyopathy (n?=?164). All CMR sequences, including scout images, were reviewed with specific attention to ECF in a second reading by the same radiologist who performed the first clinical reading. Potentially significant findings were defined as abnormalities requiring additional clinical or radiological follow-up.

Results

250 incidental ECF were detected, of which 84 (34%) had potentially significant ECF including bronchial carcinoma (n?=?1), lung consolidation (n?=?7) and abdominal abnormalities. In 166 CMR studies (41%) non-significant ECF were detected. The number of ECF identified at second versus first reading was higher for significant (84 vs. 47) and non-significant (166 vs. 36) findings (P?Conclusions About one fifth of patients undergoing CMR were found to have potentially significant ECF requiring additional work-up. The second dedicated reading detected significantly more ECF compared with the first clinical reading emphasising the importance of active search for extracardiac abnormalities when evaluating CMR studies.

Key Points

? Many patients undergoing cardiac MR have significant extracardiac findings (ECF) ? These impact on management and require additional work-up. ? Wide review of scout and cine sequences will detect most ECFs. ? Education of radiologists is important to identify ECFs on CMR studies.     

The effect of three degrees of elevation on swelling in acute inversion ankle sprains

The use of elevation is a central tenant in the treatment of acute soft tissue injuries, the most appropriate degree of elevation for swelling reduction is yet to be established The aim of this study was to determine the acute effect different degrees of limb elevation on the amount of swelling present in patients with acute first and second degree anterior Talo-fibular ligament sprains. Thirty patients with a diagnosed grade 1 or 2 anterior Talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) sprains (injuries 24 to a maximum 72 h old) participated in the study. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups, either 0°, 20° or 60° elevation. Each subject was elevated to the group angle for 30 min, following 30 min elevation the patients undertook two sets of 20 repetitions full (available) range dorsi to plantar flexion at 0° elevation. Volumetric measurement of the foot and ankle (water displacement method) and girth measurement of ankle (using a tape measure) were made pre-elevation, post-elevation and post-exercise. MANCOVA analysis revealed a significant effect for treatment on post elevation girth and volume measurements (p<0.0001) and post exercise girth and volume measurements (p<0.0001). Post-hoc stepwise comparisons revealed post-elevation and post-exercise volume and girth measurements to show a significantly greater reduction in 60° vs. 20° (p<0.0001), 60° vs. 0° (p<0.0001) and 20° vs. 0° (p<0.003). The results of this study would indicate that in acute ATFL sprains 60° of limb elevation provides the most effective acute means of swelling reduction.     

Functional performance deficits in adolescent athletes with a history of lateral ankle sprain(s)

ObjectiveTo determine if adolescent athletes with a history of lateral ankle sprain(s) (LAS) displayed deficits on functional performance tests (FPTs) and if deficits on FPT were related to the number of previous LAS.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingBiomechanics Laboratory.ParticipantsThe injured group (n = 24) had a history of ≥1 moderate-severe LAS. The uninjured group (n = 34) had no history of LAS.Main outcome measure(s)The average reach distance of three trials in each direction of the star excursion balance test (SEBT) was normalized to leg length (%). The average of two trials of single-leg-hop test (SLHT) was calculated in seconds.ResultsThe injured group performed significantly worse in 3 directions of SEBT than the uninjured group (P < 0.05). SLHT was significantly slower in the injured group compared to the uninjured group (P < 0.05). Statistically significant, strong to moderate inverse relationships were found between the numbers of LAS and each of the three directions of the SEBT (P ≤ 0.01). No relationship was revealed between the number of LAS and the SLHT (P > 0.05).Conclusion(s)Adolescent athletes with a history of LAS exhibit functional performance deficits on the SEBT and SLHT. Therefore, the SEBT and SLHT may provide clinicians cost- and time-effective objective tools.     

MR imaging of the foot and ankle: patterns of bone marrow signal abnormalities

Diagnosis of marrow disorders of the foot and ankle is among the more challenging aspects of MR interpretation. Evaluation of normal and abnormal bone marrow with regard to pattern, distribution, and signal characteristics on different sequences often allows a specific diagnosis. This pictorial review illustrates MR imaging findings of normal variants of bone marrow of the foot and ankle, and the varied responses of bone marrow to trauma, stress, or disease.     

慢性踝关节外侧不稳定的治疗

目的 回顾慢性踝关节外侧不稳定的治疗,对其结果进行分析和评价.方法 74例患者,其中男43例,女31例;年龄15～63岁,平均39岁.患者至少有半年以上的病史,有两次以上的反复扭伤史.所有患者均行6周以上的保守治疗.41例患者行手术治疗,改良的Brostrom术12例,Myerson法8例,Chrisman-Snook法21例.对其他并发的病理问题需同时处:其中腓骨肌腱滑脱加固术6例,跟腱挛缩延长术9例,跟内翻截骨外移术8例,距骨骨软骨损伤清理打孔13例.结果 本组74例患者,通过术前的保守治疗,21例功能性不稳定的患者症状缓解,53例合并功能性不稳定和机械性不稳定的患者中,10例症状缓解,2例不愿意手术治疗,41例行手术治疗.手术治疗的患者在术后的随访中,有随访资料的39例;33例未手术的患者中,有随访资料的28例.共随访6～91个月,采用Roos功能结果评分法进行结果评判.术后踝关节功能评分的平均值为86.24,保守治疗的患者踝关节功能评分的平均值为97.34.结论 本组74例患者,通过术前的保守治疗,21例功能性不稳定的患者症状缓解,53例合并功能性不稳定和机械性不稳定的患者中,10例症状缓解,2例不愿意手术治疗,41例行手术治疗.手术治疗的患者在术后的随访中,有随访资料的39例;33例未手术的患者中,有随访资料的28例.共随访6～91个月,采用Roos功能结果评分法进行结果评判.术后踝关节功能评分的平均值为86.24,保守治疗的患者踝关节功能评分的平均值为97.34.