THE VALUE OF MRI IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ANKL E FRACTURES - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

The imaging findings in 21 patients with ankle fractures were evaluate d prospectively to determine the value of MRI in diagnostics of bone, cartilage, ligament and soft tissue lesions. A total of 17 female and 4 male patients aged from 25 to 60 years (mean age 50 years) underwent an MRI examination 2-14 h after trauma, Axial, sagittal and coronal T 1-weighted SE and T2-weighted GE images were performed using an extre mity coil. We found 2 type A (A 1.2 and A 1.3), 17 type B (3 B 1.1, 3 B 2.1 3 B 2.2, 1 B 2.3, 5 B 3.2 and 2 B 3.3) and 2 type C (C 1.1) frac tures. MRI was capable of detecting bone fractures not visible in a co nventional X-ray, cartilaginous damage, ligamentous injury and subtle soft tissue lesions. We conclude that the coronal and axial planes are essential for optimal visualization of the major ligaments. The injur y patterns found in this examination are identical to those described by Weber. MRI appears to be a useful examination method in special cas es, but it is not a suitable screening method because of the high cost s and time required.