A Study of Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Ankle Pathologies

Introduction: The ankle joint, due to its complex structure, is susceptible to a broad spectrum of traumatic,inflammatory, and degenerative conditions. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the definitive non-invasivemodality for comprehensive evaluation, providing critical diagnostic information for management.Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the demographic profile, clinical presentation, and spectrumof MRI-detected pathologies in patients with ankle complaints.Materials and Methods: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted on 150 consecutive patientsundergoing ankle MRI. Data on demographics, history of trauma, and clinical features were extracted frommedical records. All MRI scans were reviewed by experienced radiologists to categorize pathologies into injuryrelated, infective/inflammatory, and other findings.Results: The cohort showed a slight female predominance (53.3%, n=80). The most represented age group was30-39 years (23.3%, n=35). A history of trauma was present in 56% (n=84) of patients. Pain was the mostprevalent symptom (96%, n=144). On MRI, injury-related pathologies were the most common (54%, n=80),dominated by ligament injuries (43.3%, n=65), with the lateral ligament complex (anterior/posterior talofibularligaments: 35.4% of ligament injuries) being most frequently involved. Infective/inflammatory pathologiesconstituted 36% (n=54), primarily affecting tendons (24%, n=35). Joint effusion was a frequent associatedfinding (60.7%, n=91).Conclusion: Ankle pathologies predominantly affect young to middle-aged adults, presenting with pain andoften a history of trauma. Ligamentous injuries, especially of the lateral complex, are the most frequent MRIfinding. MRI is indispensable for accurately delineating the entire pathological spectrum, from common sprainsto rarer conditions, thereby guiding effective clinical decision-making and treatment.