Magnetic resonance imaging of the Lisfranc ligament

Abstract

Background: The Lisfranc joint has complex structures, and articular surfaces overlap on conventional X-ray radiographs. Hence, there is no available auxiliary examination for diagnosing related injuries. At present, few studies on the imaging of Lisfranc ligaments have been reported, and related imaging data are rare. Therefore, no imaging reference can be used for related diagnosis and repair operations. This study aims to observe and describe the morphology and structure of Lisfranc ligaments using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to provide imaging reference for the diagnosis and repair of Lisfranc joint injuries. Methods: MRI scanning was performed on 60 sides of normal feet of 30 healthy adult volunteers. In the MRI scanning on the Lisfranc joint, sagittal scanning was focused on the area between the lateral margin and medial margin of the Lisfranc joint, while oblique coronal scanning was focused on the area parallel to the Lisfranc joint clearance. After acquisition of MRI images, data were burned into a CD, and the morphology and structure of the Lisfranc ligament on the MRI image were observed and described. Hence, the imaging parameters of the Lisfranc ligament were acquired, providing an imaging reference for the diagnosis and repair of Lisfranc joint injuries. Results: By observing the obtained images of the Lisfranc ligament through appropriate MRI scanning, it was found that the Lisfranc ligament originates at the site 12.63 ± 1.20 mm from the lateral side of the base of the medial cuneiform bone, with a length of 8.02 ± 1.5 mm, a width of 2.53 ± 0.61 mm, a height of 6.96 ± 1.01 mm, forms an included angle of 46.79 ± 3.47° with the long axis of the first metatarsal bone, and finally ends at the base of the second phalanx. Detailed imaging parameters of the Lisfranc joint and ligament were obtained from the present imaging experiment, providing an imaging reference for the diagnosis and repair of Lisfranc joint injuries. Conclusions: On the MRI images, the sagittal section can clearly display the corresponding situation of the Lisfranc joint bone and longitudinal arch of the foot, tolerably display the Lisfranc joint dorsal ligaments and metatarsal ligaments, and poorly display the Lisfranc ligament. The oblique coronal section can clearly display the transverse arch of the foot and clearly display the cross-section of the Lisfranc ligament. The oblique crosssection can clearly display the horizontal arch of the Lisfranc joint and more clearly display its surrounding ligaments and tendons, especially the entire Lisfranc ligament and its attachment points. This is an important section for the diagnosis of Lisfranc ligament injuries. This study provides a certain imaging reference for the MRI scanning, diagnosis, and repair of Lisfranc joint injuries. Further research with large sample size is still needed to confirm the conclusions.