Examining the Relation of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus to Ligamentous and Lateral Ankle Tendinous Pathologic Features: A Comprehensive MRI Review in an Asymptomatic Lateral Ankle Population.
Publication/Presentation Date
7-1-2014
Abstract
Given the frequency and burden of ankle sprains, the pathologic features identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are widely known in the symptomatic population. Ankle MRI pathologic features in the asymptomatic population, however, are poorly understood. Such examinations are rarely undertaken unless an ankle has been injured or is painful. We report the systematic MRI findings from the reports of 108 consecutive asymptomatic lateral ankles (104 patients). Our purpose was to (1) report the prevalence of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and pathologic features of the medial and lateral ligaments, peroneal tendons, and superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR); (2) correlate the presence of OLTs with the pathologic features of the medial and lateral ligaments, peroneal tendons, and SPR; and (3) correlate ligamentous discontinuity with the peroneal pathologic features, OLTs, and SPR pathologic features. A total of 16 OLTs (14.81%) were present (13 medial and 3 lateral). Of the 16 patients with OLTs, 8 (50.00%) had concomitant peroneal pathologic findings. Healthy medial and lateral ligaments were noted in 41 patients (37.96%), and ligamentous discontinuity was grade I in 25 (23.15%), II in 32 (29.63%), III in 5 (4.63%), and grade IV in 5 patients (4.63%). A weak positive correlation was found between attenuation or tears of the superficial deltoid and medial OLTs (phi coefficient = 0.23, p = .0191) and a moderate positive correlation between tears of the posterior talofibular ligament and lateral OLTs (phi coefficient = 0.30, p = .0017). Additionally, a moderate positive correlation between ligamentous discontinuity and tendinopathy of the peroneus brevis was noted [Spearman's coefficient(106) = 0.29, p = .0024]. These findings add to the evidence of concomitant pathologic features in the asymptomatic population. To definitively assess causation and evaluate the clinical evolution of radiologic findings, future, prospective, longitudinal cohort studies are necessary.
Volume
53
Issue
4
First Page
429
Last Page
433
ISSN
1542-2224
Published In/Presented At
Galli, M. M., Protzman, N. M., Mandelker, E. M., Malhotra, A. D., Schwartz, E., & Brigido, S. A. (2014). Examining the relation of osteochondral lesions of the talus to ligamentous and lateral ankle tendinous pathologic features: a comprehensive MRI review in an asymptomatic lateral ankle population. The Journal Of Foot And Ankle Surgery: Official Publication Of The American College Of Foot And Ankle Surgeons, 53(4), 429-433. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2014.03.014
Disciplines
Other Medical Specialties | Surgery
PubMedID
24796886
Peer Reviewed for front end display
Peer-Reviewed
Department(s)
Department of Surgery
Document Type
Article