Collateral ligaments of the ankle: high-resolution MR imaging with a local gradient coil and anatomic correlation in cadavers.

Findings at high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the lateral and medial collateral ligaments of the ankle were compared with findings in anatomic sections from cadavers. MR imaging of six cadaveric feet was performed with a newly developed local gradient coil and axial and coronal T1-weighted spin-echo sequences. Axial imaging provided optimum views of the anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments, the deep layers of the medial collateral ligament, and the tibionavicular ligament. Coronal imaging allowed complete visualization of the calcaneofibular, posterior talofibular, tibiocalcaneal, and posterior tibiotalar ligaments. In both imaging planes, differentiation of the deep and superficial layers of the medial collateral ligament was possible. Differentiation between the syndesmotic complex and the lateral collateral ligament was accomplished easily; in particular, differentiation of the posterior tibiofibular ligament from the posterior talofibular ligament was not difficult because of the differing insertions of these ligaments. The inhomogeneous appearance of the medial collateral ligament and the posterior talofibular ligament on MR images correlated with areas of fatty tissue on corresponding microscopic sections. High-resolution MR imaging with a newly developed local gradient coil allows excellent visualization of the lateral and medial collateral ligaments of the ankle.     

Strain measurement in lateral ankle ligaments

We measured strain in the lateral ligaments of 10 human cadaver ankles while moving the ankle joint and applying stress in a variety of ways. We studied the anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, posterior talofibular, anterior tibiofibular, and posterior tibiofibular ligaments. Strain measurements in the ligaments were recorded continuously while the ankle was moved from dorsiflexion into plantar flexion. We then repeated measurements while applying inversion, eversion, internal rotation, and external rotation forces. Strain in the anterior talofibular ligament increased when the ankle was moved into greater degrees of plantar flexion, internal rotation, and inversion. Strain in the calcaneofibular ligament increased as the talus was dorsiflexed and inverted. These findings support the concept that the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments function together at all positions of ankle flexion to provide lateral ankle stability. We measured maximum strain in the posterior talofibular ligament when the ankle was dorsiflexed and externally rotated. The strain in the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments increased when the ankle was dorsiflexed. External rotation increased strain in the anterior tibiofibular ligament and decreased strain in the posterior tibiofibular ligament. Based upon strain measurements in the lateral ankle ligaments in various ankle joint positions, we believe the anterior talofibular ligament is most likely to tear if the ankle is inverted in plantar flexion and internally rotated. Theoretically, the calcaneofibular ligament tears primarily in inversion if the ankle is dorsiflexed; the anterior tibiofibular ligament tears in dorsiflexion, especially if combined with external rotation; and the posterior tibiofibular ligament tears with extreme dorsiflexion.     

运动员及演员踝外侧韧带断裂

文章介绍了踝外侧韧带断裂的检查方法,对距腓前与跟腓韧带全断裂者需手术治疗,术后能恢复训练。     

Relationship between stress ankle radiographs and injured ligaments on MRI

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between the injured lateral ankle ligaments on MRI and stress ankle radiographs.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and twenty-nine consecutive patients (mean age 35.5 years, SD 14.6 years; 136 males and 93 females) that underwent ankle stress radiographs and MRI for lateral ankle instability were included. Tibiotalar tilt angle and anterior translation of talus were measured on stress ankle radiographs. Degree of lateral ligaments (anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular) and deltoid ligament injuries were evaluated and scored as intact (0), partial injury (1), and complete injury (2) on MR images. Effusion of ankle joint was also recorded. The effects of gender, age, injuries of ligaments, and ankle joint effusion on stress radiographs were statistically analyzed.

Results

Gender (p?=?0.010), age (p?=?0.020), and anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury (p?<?0.001) were the factors significantly affecting tibiotalar tilt angle. Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) injury (p?=?0.014) was found to be the only significant factor affecting the anterior translation on the anterior drawer radiographs.

Conclusions

ATFL injury and PTFL injury on MRI significantly affected tibiotalar tilt angle and anterior drawer on stress radiographs. Other factors, such as age and gender, need to be considered in evaluating radiographic lateral ankle instability.     

Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments with bone-patellar tendon graft in patients with chronic ankle instability: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND: Unsatisfactory long-term results have been reported after use of a Brostr?m repair for patients with chronic ankle ligament insufficiency. HYPOTHESIS: Repair or reconstruction of both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments is essential for normal kinematics of the ankle-hindfoot. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Thirteen patients with chronic instability of the ankle were found at operation to have injuries of both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, with a lack of healthy ligament margins suitable for suturing. Reconstruction of the ligaments was performed with bone-patellar tendon graft. The score devised by Good et al. was used to assess the patients' clinical condition before the operation and at final follow-up. RESULTS: Before the operation, six patients had a grade 3 clinical condition and seven had a grade 4 condition. At a mean follow-up of 26.5 months, all patients had a grade 1 condition. The average talar tilt of the patients was improved from 18.4 degrees +/- 5.5 degrees to 4.9 degrees +/- 2.6 degrees, and the average anterior drawer sign was improved from 9.1 +/- 2.6 mm to 5.8 +/- 1.6 mm. CONCLUSION: In cases of combined injuries, short-term results of reconstruction of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments using bone-split patellar tendon graft were good, with a low frequency of complications.     

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of chronic lateral ankle instability

The ankle inversion injury is one of the most common types of injury that is encountered in athletes and active individuals. There are a wide variety of acute injuries associated with ankle inversion, including peroneal tendon tears, osteochondritis dessicans of the talus, anterior talofibular ligament avulsion, peroneal retinaculum avulsion, and calcaneofibular ligament tears. Chronic sequelae include impingement, posttraumatic degenerative arthritis, and an attenuated peroneal retinaculum. Most inversion injuries to the ankle have multiple associated injuries and isolated ligament injuries are uncommon. Chronically, the injured ankle usually demonstrates the injuries found at the time of the initial injury. Subsequently, there is a high frequency of these injuries in patients evaluated for symptoms of chronic lateral ankle instability. A high index of suspicion for the specific types of injuries associated with ankle inversions may result in a higher rate of injury detection and more expeditious and accurate diagnoses. Given the persistence of these injuries seen in patients with chronic posterolateral instability, injury patterns of ankle inversion are important to recognize even in the absence of acute trauma. We review the various types of injuries with their associated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics seen in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability.     

Anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of the ankle with a gracilis autograft: a new technique using an interference fit anchoring system

BACKGROUND: Few anatomical and minor invasive procedures have been reported for surgical reconstruction of the lateral ligaments to treat lateral instability of the ankle. Furthermore, there are no standards according to which ligaments should be reconstructed. HYPOTHESIS: A new technique for anatomically reconstructing the lateral ligaments of the ankle using an interference fit anchoring system and determining which ligaments need to be reconstructed according to the results of standard stress radiography of the talocrural and subtalar joints will be effective for treating lateral instability of the ankle. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with lateral instability of the ankle underwent surgery using the proposed interference fit anchoring system. Standard stress radiographs of the subtalar joint were performed, and if the talocalcaneal angle was less than 10 degrees , only the anterior talofibular ligament was reconstructed; if there was a 10 degrees or greater opening of the talocalcaneal angle, both the anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament were reconstructed. RESULTS: In the 17 patients who received only the anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction, the mean talar tilt angle on standard stress radiography of the talocrural joint was 14.5 degrees +/- 1.7 degrees before surgery and 2.6 degrees +/- 0.8 degrees 2 years after surgery (P < .0001). For the 4 patients who had both the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament reconstructed, the mean talar tilt angle was 16.5 degrees +/- 1.5 degrees before surgery and 3.0 degrees +/- 0.5 degrees 2 years after surgery (P = .0015). The overall mean talocalcaneal angle on standard stress radiography of the subtalar joint was 11.3 degrees +/- 1.4 degrees before surgery and 3.5 degrees +/- 0.8 degrees 2 years after surgery (P = .0060). CONCLUSION: The proposed system has several advantages, including anatomical reconstruction with normal stability and range of motion restored, the need for only a small incision during the reconstruction, and sufficient strength at the tendon graft-bone tunnel junction, in comparison with the tension strength of the lateral ligaments of the ankle.     

Injuries of the lateral ankle ligaments: classification with tenography and arthrography

To assess the value of tenography of the peroneal tendon sheaths and of arthrography of the tibiotalar joint for the diagnosis and classification of recent ruptures of the lateral ankle ligaments, the authors performed a prospective study on 108 patients with inversion trauma of the ankle. All patients underwent tenography. Arthrography was performed if results of tenography were negative. All patients with positive tenographic or arthrographic results underwent surgery. Tenography proved to be reliable in the diagnosis of injuries of the calcaneofibular ligament (sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 87%-94%). The positive predictive value of tenography in combination with arthrography was 100% for the diagnosis of lateral ligament ruptures. The authors conclude that a combination of arthrography and tenography is a reliable method for diagnosing recent ruptures of the lateral ankle ligaments and for differentiating between isolated ruptures of the talofibular ligament and combined lesions of both the talofibular and the calcaneofibular ligaments.     

Management of acute lateral ankle ligament injury in the athlete

Purpose

Inversion injuries involve about 25 % of all injuries of the musculoskeletal system and about 50 % of these injuries are sport-related. This article reviews the acute lateral ankle injuries with special emphasis on a rationale for treatment of these injuries in athletes.

Methods

A narrative review was performed using Pubmed/Medline, Ovid and Embase using key words: ankle ligaments, injury, lateral ligament, ankle sprain and athlete. Articles related to the topic were included and reviewed.

Results

It is estimated that one inversion injury of the ankle occurs for every 10,000 people each day. Ankle sprains constitute 7–10 % of all admissions to hospital emergency departments. Inversion injuries involve about 25 % of all injuries of the musculoskeletal system, and about 50 % of these injuries are sport-related. The lateral ankle ligament complex consists of three ligaments: the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament and the posterior talofibular ligament. The most common trauma mechanism is supination and adduction (inversion) of the plantar-flexed foot.

Conclusion

Delayed physical examination provides a more accurate diagnosis. Ultrasound and MRI can be useful in diagnosing associated injury and are routine investigations in professional athletes. Successful treatment of grade II and III acute lateral ankle ligament injuries can be achieved with individualized aggressive, non-operative measures. RICE therapy is the treatment of choice for the first 4–5 days to reduce pain and swelling. Initially, 10–14 days of immobilization in a below the knee cast/brace is beneficial followed by a period in a lace-up brace or functional taping reduces the risk of recurrent injury. Acute repair of the lateral ankle ligaments in grade III injuries in professional athletes may give better results.

Level of evidence

IV.     

正常踝外侧副韧带的解剖及MRI观察对比研究

目的解剖观察踝关节外侧各韧带的形态特点,并与低场MR扫描测量数据进行对比,为临床提高MR诊断踝关节韧带损伤提供依据。方法将10例正常成人尸体足踝关节标本（每例取一侧）进行解剖观察并测量踝外侧各韧带的长、宽、厚度值,与自然位（跖屈约20。）MR扫描测量结果进行统计学分析。结果自然位MR检查能较好地显示各韧带的解剖形态,MR测量距腓前韧带（ATFL）及跟腓韧带（CFL）的平均长度分别为（14．190±0．595）mm和（23．46±1．578）mm,宽度（8．76±0．883）mm和（5．700±0．442）mm,厚度（1．840±0．190）mm和（2．110±0．296）mm。解剖测量距腓前韧带及跟腓韧带的平均长度分别为（14．128±0．610）mm和（23．452±1．506）mm,宽度（8．782±0．916）mm和（5．704±0．453）mm,厚度（1．882±0．224）mm和（2．106±0．313）mm,解剖和MR各测量值间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论自然位是MR检查踝关节韧带损伤的较理想体位,解剖与MR测量值基本一致,低场MRI能较准确显示踝外侧副韧带的形态。     

Acute ankle injury and chronic lateral instability in the athlete

Ankle injuries occur frequently in sports. The lateral ligamentous complex, specifically the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, are most commonly injured. In acute lateral ligament injuries, a functional ankle rehabilitation program is the mainstay of treatment. Chronic ankle instability develops in a minority of patients. Surgical procedures are broadly classified into anatomic ligament repairs versus reconstructive tenodeses. Commonly performed techniques include the Brostrom-Gould procedure,the modified Brostrum-Evans procedure, and the Chrisman-Snook procedure.     

Ligaments of the lateral aspect of the ankle and sinus tarsi: an MR imaging study

The normal anatomy of the lateral ankle and subtalar ligaments seen at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was studied in four cadaver ankles. Sixteen ankles of 11 healthy volunteers were imaged with four different MR imaging protocols to optimize technique. The anterior talofibular ligament was identified in 100% of the ankles of the volunteers in the axial plane, the calcaneofibular ligament in 81% of the ankles in the coronal plane, the cervical ligament in 69% of the ankles in the coronal plane and in 88% of the ankles in the sagittal plane, and the talocalcaneal ligament in 56% of the ankles in the coronal plane and in 62% of the ankles in the sagittal plane. It is concluded that thin-section (1-3-mm) MR imaging techniques, especially the one in which data are acquired with three-dimensional Fourier transform, are best for visualization of the ligaments. These techniques may play a role in the evaluation of patients with chronic ankle pain and instability.     

Graded stress radiography in acute injury to the lateral ligaments of the ankle

The diagnostic accuracy of graded stress radiography in 26 patients with acute injury to the lateral ankle ligaments has been compared with findings at arthrography and surgery. Measuring talar tilt angles and anterior talar displacement over a range of pressures applied to the distal tibia using a commercially available stress device allows diagnostic distinction between isolated anterior talofibular ligament injury and a combined lesion that involves the calcaneofibular ligament. The results compare well with arthrographic and surgical findings.     

The accuracy of three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of ruptures of the lateral ligaments of the ankle.

In a prospective study, the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of ruptures of the lateral ligaments of the ankle was determined by comparing three-dimensional magnetic resonance findings with operative findings. In a series of 18 consecutive cases of acute significant inversion trauma to the ankle, a three-dimensional fast imaging with steady-state precession pulse sequence (3D FISP) was performed. The study included only those cases in which views showed a difference in talar tilt of 15 degrees or more, and a difference in anteroposterior drawer of 10 mm or more between the imaged and the normal ankle. All ankles were scheduled for surgical exploration. Compared with operative findings, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 3D FISP imaging were, respectively, 100%, 50%, and 94.4% for ruptures of the anterior talofibular ligament and 91.7%, 100%, and 94.4% for ruptures of the calcaneofibular ligament. We believe that 3D FISP magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive, fast, and very accurate diagnostic aid to operative planning for double ligament tears in younger competitive athletes.     

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.     

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.     

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     

Treatment of acute lateral ankle ligament rupture in the athlete. Conservative versus surgical treatment

Acute lateral ankle ligament sprains are common in young athletes (15 to 35 years of age). Diagnostic and treatment protocols vary. Therapies range from cast immobilisation or acute surgical repair to functional rehabilitation. The lateral ligament complex includes 3 capsular ligaments: the anterior tibiofibular (ATFL), calcaneofibular (CFL) and posterior talofibular (PTFL) ligaments. Injuries typically occur during plantar flexion and inversion; the ATFL is most commonly torn. The CFL and the PTFL can also be injured and, after severe inversion, subtalar joint ligaments are also affected. Commonly, an athlete with a lateral ankle ligament sprain reports having 'rolled over' the outside of their ankle. The entire ankle and foot must be examined to ensure there are no other injuries. Clinical stability tests for ligamentous disruption include the anterior drawer test of ATFL function and inversion tilt test of both ATFL and CFL function. Radiographs may rule out treatable fractures in severe injuries or when pain or tenderness are not associated with lateral ligaments. Stress radiographs do not affect treatment. Ankle sprains are classified from grades I to III (mild, moderate or severe). Grade I and II injuries recover quickly with nonoperative management. A non-operative 'functional treatment' programme includes immediate use of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), a short period of immobilisation and protection with a tape or bandage, and early range of motion, weight-bearing and neuromuscular training exercises. Proprioceptive training on a tilt board after 3 to 4 weeks helps improve balance and neuromuscular control of the ankle. Treatment for grade III injuries is more controversial. A comprehensive literature evaluation and meta-analysis showed that early functional treatment provided the fastest recovery of ankle mobility and earliest return to work and physical activity without affecting late mechanical stability. Functional treatment was complication-free, whereas surgery had serious, though infrequent, complications. Functional treatment produced no more sequelae than casting with or without surgical repair. Secondary surgical repair, even years after an injury, has results comparable to those of primary repair, so even competitive athletes can receive initial conservative treatment. Sequelae of lateral ligament injuries are common. After conservative or surgical treatment, 10 to 30% of patients have chronic symptoms, including persistent synovitis or tendinitis, ankle stiffness, swelling, pain, muscle weakness and 'giving-way'. Well-designed physical therapy programmes usually reduce instability. For individuals with chronic instability refractory to conservative measures, surgery may be needed. Subtalar instability should be carefully evaluated when considering surgery.     

Injury to the lateral ankle ligaments of athletes. A posttraumatic followup

Twenty of 26 original athletes with injuries to the lateral ligaments of the ankle were reexamined 2 to 5 years following treatment. The functional quality of their anterior talofibular (TF) and calcaneofibular (CF) ligaments was tested by stress examination, using a commercially available stress device, and was compared with the results of stress examination, arthrography, and surgery at the time of injury. Surgically treated patients showed a 70% to 100% recovery of the functional properties of the lateral ankle ligaments on comparison with the contralateral, uninjured ankle. Of the six patients treated conservatively with elastic bandages and rest, only one had regained normal function, whereas the others showed minimal or no improvement. Isolated lesions of the anterior TF ligaments, when treated conservatively, may have only a slightly better prognosis than a combined lesion of both anterior TF and CF ligaments in the athletic population.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of ankle tendons and ligaments: part I - anatomy

Magnetic resonance imaging is an excellent technique for imaging the tendons and the ligaments of the ankle. Owing to the advantage of detailed demonstration of soft-tissue structures and capability for multiplanar demonstration of the ankle ligaments and tendons, MRI has been increasingly used in the evaluation of the ligamentous and the tendon injuries of the ankle. Knowledge of normal anatomy and of MRI appearances are essential to recognize pathological appearances. In this pictorial essay, the first of a three part series, we review the normal MRI appearances of the ankle tendons and ligaments. The anterior, lateral and medial tendon groups, the Achilles tendon and the lateral, the syndesmotic and the medial ligament groups are described and illustrated. Anatomy of the sinus tarsi is also described. Tendon and ligament pathology will be illustrated in the second part of the series, and imaging approach to ankle injuries will be outlined in the final part of this series.