MRI scans are frequently used to evaluate the internal structures of the ankle (you can read more about MRI here). A variety of trends have increased the use of MRI in evaluating our joints - more sports activity, increase in obesity rates, diabetes, and we've remained much more active into our later years than previous generations.
If you've injured your ankle or have ankle pain, your doctor will probably first order an x-ray. After an x-ray, an MRI may be needed to evaluate the tendons, ligaments and bones of the ankle. On your doctor's order for the MRI you might see:
"r/o stress fracture" - this refers to a "hairline" fracture of a bone that is not seen on an x-ray.
"r/o ligament injury"- there are many tendons and ligaments which pass through the ankle area and can be injured or degenerate.
"r/o osteochondral defect" - this is a defect of the bone and cartilage that can cause chronic pain.
(FYI - "r/o" is short for "rule out")
An MRI of the ankle will evaluate:
Bones
An ankle MRI will include parts of the lower tibia, lower fibula and the ankle bones which include the talus, calcaneus and some of the forefooot bones. An ankle MRI can detect bone bruises, fractures, cysts, tumors, infection and dislocations. An MRI can also determine the extent of arthritis and assist in pre-operative planning.
Cartilage
Ankle MRIs are very good at looking at the cartilage. MRI can detect cartilage fraying (like frayed edges of jeans), fissuring (cracks, similar to a dry river bed), and defects (the cartilage is missing). Damaged cartilage can lead to chronic pain and arthritis.
Tendons and Ligaments
Your ankle has a complex set of tendons and ligaments that an MRI can evaluate. The Achilles tendon is the large tendon at the back of your ankle. This can develop internal tears and cause pain. Tendons along the sides of your ankle can also develop tears and cause pain and a flattened arch for example. Ligaments like the deltoid ligament help suport your ankle. Any of these tendons and ligaments can be injured and the injury may only be seen on MRI.
Soft Tissues
This refers to the muscles and tissues around your ankle. An ankle MRI scan will show parts of the lower leg and foot muscles. An MRI can detect muscle tears, strains, tumors and infection. It can also detect fluid collections in the joints.
Your Ankle MRI Scan
An ankle MRI generally takes about 30 minutes or so to complete. If you are going for one, wear loose comfortable clothing and remember to remove all metal (jewelry, phones, rings, etc) before going into the MRI scan room. If you're insured, you may need to have your test authorized (approved) by your insurance company first. If you're uninsured and need to look up prices and buy an MRI scan of the ankle, you can use our website. Click here to see MRI scan costs.
Have you had an Ankle MRI scan? What was it like? Please leave your comments below.