Imaging of Ankle and Foot Injuries

Abstract

The ankle and foot is one of the most frequently injured regions in the body. Injuries in this region may lead to significant long-term morbidity, even despite accurate diagnosis and treatment. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of ankle and foot injuries. Non-weight-bearing radiography is usually the first step in evaluation of ankle and foot injuries, but weight-bearing or stress imaging of the ankle or foot can help identify subtle injuries. CT is typically reserved for characterizing known fractures of the tibial plafond or posterior foot. However, CT can also be useful for diagnosing radiographically occult fractures. MRI is excellent for identifying injuries to soft tissue structure, but it has a limited role in the acute imaging of foot and ankle injuries due to availability. Ultrasound can also be an excellent modality for identifying soft tissue injuries of the ankle and foot.