Abstract:

Objective To analyse the appearance of anterior talofibular ligament injury on ultrasound, and evaluate its clinical diagnostic value. Methods Ninety patients suspected of ankle ligament injury were examined with 5-17 MHz liner prober, and the appearance of anterior talofibular ligament injury on ultrasound was observed. The ultrasonographic diagnosis was compared with surgical findings in 31 patients undergoing operations. Results In these 90 patients, 32 experienced GradeⅠ sprains (contusions) with enlargement and low echo of the ligament on ultrasound, 15 suffered from Grade Ⅱ sprains (partial rupture) with interruption of partial ligamnent's continuity on ultrasound, and 34 had Grade Ⅲ sprains (complete rupture) with interruption of whole ligament and contraction of the broken end on ultrasound. Among the 31 patients with operations, the ultrasonographic diagnosis of 28 was in line with surgical findings. Conclusion High frequency ultrasonography is a simple and effective method for detecting injuries of anterior talofibular ligament.

Key words: ultrasonography, ankle, anterior talofibular ligament