Role of Ultrasound in Evaluating Ligament Injuries Around the Ankle: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Ultrasound has emerged as a valuable imaging modality for evaluating ligamentous injuries around the ankle joint, offering several advantages over traditional imaging techniques. It is more cost-effective and widely available than MRI, and it avoids the ionizing radiation exposure associated with X-rays, making it a safer option, particularly for pediatric and adolescent populations. In cases of inversion ankle sprains, ultrasound allows for more accurate assessment of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) compared to X-rays and manual examination and yields diagnostic results comparable to MRI. For high ankle sprains involving syndesmosis injuries, ultrasound-especially stress ultrasound-has shown high diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, ultrasound evaluation of the deltoid ligament (DL) in cases of ankle fractures can aid surgeons in determining the need for ligament repair in conjunction with fracture management. This review explores recent developments in ultrasound imaging of the lateral, medial, and syndesmotic ligaments of the ankle joint and discusses its potential applications for evaluating the spring and posterior ligaments. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the ever-expanding role of ultrasound in the management of ankle ligamentous injuries.

Keywords: anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament; anterior talofibular ligament; calcaneofibular ligament; deltoid ligament; diagnostic ultrasound; musculoskeletal ultrasound; syndesmosis.

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