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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2020; 24(02): 113-124
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1710066
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Ultrasound Imaging Guide for Assessment of the Intrinsic Ligaments Stabilizing the Subtalar and Midtarsal Joints

Federico Zaottini
1   Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
2   IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
,
Riccardo Picasso
1   Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
2   IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
,
Federico Pistoia
1   Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
2   IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
,
Maribel Miguel Perez
3   Unidad de Anatomía y Embriología Humana, Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud (Campus de Bellvitge), Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
,
Ingrid Möller
4   Instituto Poal de Reumatologia, Barcelona, Spain
,
Federica Rossi
1   Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
2   IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
,
Alessandra Bruns
5   Division of Rheumatology, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada
,
Alberto Stefano Tagliafico
1   Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
2   IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
,
Carlo Martinoli
1   Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
2   IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 May 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Ligament injuries around the subtalar, talocalcaneonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints are often underestimated on clinical and imaging findings during investigation of patients with ankle and foot injuries. Because a delayed diagnosis of midtarsal ligament tears may lead to chronic pain and functional disability, an in-depth knowledge of the complex regional anatomy and of the appropriate ultrasound scanning technique is a prerequisite for evaluating these structures and avoiding misdiagnoses. The objective of this article is twofold: to describe the relevant anatomy and biomechanics related to the ligaments that stabilize the subtalar, talocalcaneonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints, and to illustrate reasoned landmark-based scanning techniques to provide a systematic examination of these ligaments and thus make ultrasound an effective tool for assessment of patients with suspected subtalar or midtarsal sprain.

Keywords

calcaneocuboid joint ligaments - inferior extensor retinaculum - subtalar joint ligaments - talocalcaneonavicular joint ligaments - ultrasound
 

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