MRI is sensitive to changes in the structure of the cartilage resulting from aging or injury making it particularly useful in evaluating the talocrural (ankle) joint. MRI of the ankle can display changes where the talar surface meets the tibia and at the lateral aspect of the joint where fibula articulates with the tibia and the talus. Ankle MRI can also detect injuries of the ligaments and tendons supporting the ankle.
MRI is also a reliable technique to prove the presence of fractures in cases where plain x-ray fail to do so.
Indications for an Ankle MRI are often related to new or old injuries:
- Sport injuries (Fractures, dislocations, ligament and tendon tears/ruptures)
- Torn cartilage
- Degenerative changes
- Torn or strained ligaments
- Sprains
- Joint pains (acute or chronic)
- Lesions of the bone or soft tissue
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye