MR-IMAGING OF THE FOOT - ANATOMY AND PATHOLOGY

MR imaging has become a valuable tool in the diagnosis of pathologic c onditions of the foot. The direct multiplanar imaging capability, supe rior soft tissue contrast discrimination, and spatial resolution affor ded by MR are advantages over other imaging modalities. The complex an atomy and spectrum of pathology in this region present a significant c hallenge to the radiologist. Familiarity with the anatomy, various cli nical conditions, and their appearance on MR imaging is essential for accurate diagnosis. In this article, a limited review of the anatomy o f the foot is presented together with a more in-depth discussion and i llustration of a wide variety of pathologic conditions of the foot. Em phasis is placed on those conditions that are relatively unique to the foot.