Timing Of MRI in Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain: Impact On Diagnostic Findings And Clinical Interpretation – A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) timing on radiological findings and diagnostic interpretability in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain. Methods: In this retrospective observational cohort study, 75 adult patients with acute inversion-type ankle sprain were divided into three equal groups based on MRI timing: hyperacute (0–7 days), subacute (8–21 days), and late (>21 days). All MRIs were performed using a 3.0T scanner and evaluated by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist. Ligament integrity, bone marrow edema, joint effusion, and soft tissue edema were assessed, along with a 3-point diagnostic interpretability scale. Multivariate analyses adjusted for age, sex, and clinical severity.Results: ATFL tear classification differed significantly across groups (p