Usefulness of black boundary artifact on opposed-phase imaging from turbo spin-echo two-point mDixon MRI for delineation of an arthroscopically confirmed small fracture of the lateral talar dome

Abstract

Rationale: A nondisplaced chip fracture can be missed on MRI. Opposed-phase imaging from mDixon MRI produces an interesting artifact called black boundary artifact. This artifact can provide better contrast at the fracture line resulting in better depiction of a small chip fracture on MRI. Patient concerns: We present a case of small nondisplaced chip fracture at the lateral talar dome that was well delineated only with the aid of a black boundary artifact after using T2-weighted opposed-phase imaging from turbo spin-echo two-point modified Dixon ankle MRI. In other sequences, the lesion demonstrated a focal full thickness cartilage defect, subtle cortical irregularity, or subcortical bone marrow edema but the full delineation of the fracture line was not possible. Diagnoses: Opposed-phase imaging from mDixon MRI aided in the diagnosis of lateral talar dome osteochondral fracture (osteochondral lesion), which was confirmed arthroscopically. Interventions: The osteochondral fragment was removed by arthroscopy. Outcomes: The patient did well with recovery of full range of motion after 2 months. Lessons: We have identified a black boundary artifact using opposed-phase imaging from mDixon MRI that can aid in detection of small fracture, which can be missed by conventional MRI, by providing a dark linear signal at the fracture line.