Pinzamiento anterolateral del tobillo. Evaluacion ecotomografica

Abstract

Ultrasound anatomic evaluation of normal and pathologic ligaments of the lateral aspect of ankle was performed. The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of this exam in patients suggesting anterolateral impingement. Both sides were studied in fifteen (15) normal patients and in fourteen (14) patients submitted by the orthopedic surgeon with suggestive symptoms. Ligaments studied included: anterior tibiofibular, anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular. They were observed as an echogenic strip with posterior hypoechoic structures. Eleven (11) ligaments demonstrated alterations in eight (8) patients, with swelling and convexity of the strip. Four (4) patients had arthroscopic surgery and good correlation with ultrasound was found. High-resolution ultrasound can be a good diagnostic exam in anterolateral impingement especially if it is considered as an economic alternative when compared to MR.