Bone marrow edema patterns in the ankle and hindfoot: distinguishing MRI features

Abstract

Objective: Many disorders produce similar or overlapping patterns of bone marrow edema in the ankle. Bone marrow edema may present in a few hindfoot bones simultaneously or in a single bone. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to provide guidelines based on clinical history and specific MRI patterns and locations to accurately identify the cause of ankle bone marrow edema. We will first focus on bone marrow edema in general disease categories involving multiple bones, such as reactive processes, trauma, neuroarthropathy, and arthritides. A discussion of bone marrow edema in individual bones of the ankle and hindfoot including the tibia, fibula, talus, and calcaneus will follow. Helpful hints for arriving at the correct diagnosis will be provided in each section.

Conclusion: After review of this article, radiologists should be able to use their knowledge of clinical history and specific MRI patterns and locations to accurately distinguish between the various causes of bone marrow edema in the ankle and hindfoot.