After a sprained foot
A sprained foot is the most common household injury. X-ray excludes a fracture, but does not show the condition of the ligaments, and it is their rupture that determines the prognosis and recovery time. MRI reveals injuries to the external and internal ligaments, tendinitis and rupture of the Achilles tendon, osteochondral damage to the trochlea of the talus, and post-traumatic bone marrow edema, a common cause of pain that persists for months after injury.
Why do you need an MRI for a joint injury?
X-rays and computed tomography clearly show the bone, but the ligaments, menisci, cartilage and tendons are practically invisible on them. Meanwhile, it is these structures that are damaged in a typical sports or everyday joint injury.
MRI is the only test that can show a torn meniscus, cruciate ligament injury, bone marrow edema, fluid accumulation, and cartilage damage without surgery.
What does joint examination reveal?
- tears and degenerative changes of the menisci
- partial and complete ruptures of ligaments and tendons
- damage to articular cartilage and signs of arthrosis
- accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity and synovitis
- bone marrow edema and hidden fractures not visible on x-ray
- cysts, tumors and inflammatory changes in periarticular tissues
What to do with the pictures
The radiologist's report describes the changes found, but the decision on treatment is made by an orthopedic traumatologist, comparing the MRI picture with complaints and examination results. The same changes in different patients may require both conservative tactics and arthroscopy.