The Diagnostic Value of High-Resolution Ultrasound in Evaluation of Ankle Sports Injuries: A Comparative Study with MRI

Background: Usually, the ankle joint’s lesions are due to trauma, inflammatory disorders, or overuse syndrome. Different imaging modalities are used to evaluate the ankle joint including plain radiography, CT, US, and MRI. Objective: The aim of the current study had to assess the value of high-resolution ultrasonography in sports injuries compared to high field MRI. Patients and methods: High-frequency (7–15 MHz) ultrasound and MRI were performed in 30 patients with an acute ankle injury (traumatic ankle pain) in the age range between 18 and 55 years, complaining of unilateral ankle sports injuries. Results: Sensitivity of US in the detection of sprain comparing to MRI as the gold standard was 75%, specificity was 100% and accuracy was 92.2% and there was statistical significance agreement between two tests. Regarding, the sensitivity of the US in the detection of tears comparing to MRI as gold slandered was 90%, specificity was 100% and accuracy was 96.7% and there was statistical significance agreement between two tests (P-value < 0.001). The sensitivity of the US in the detection of joint effusion comparing to MRI as gold slandered was 75%, specificity was 95.5% and accuracy was 90% and there was statistical significance agreement between the two tests. Conclusion: Ultrasonography and MRI are two complementary tools of investigation with formers being used as a primary tool of investigation and the latter is done to confirm the diagnosis and the extent of the lesion especially when surgical interference is planned.