Ultrasound of the Ankle: Anatomy of the Tendons, Bursae, and Ligaments

Stefano Bianchi; Carlo Martinoli; Celine Gaignot; René De Gautard; Jean-Marc Meyer

doi:10.1055/s-2005-921943

Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, Table of Contents

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2005; 09(3): 243-259
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-921943

Ultrasound of the Ankle: Anatomy of the Tendons, Bursae, and Ligaments

Stefano Bianchi¹ ^, ² , Carlo Martinoli³ , Celine Gaignot² , René De Gautard² , Jean-Marc Meyer¹

¹Fondation des Grangettes, 1224 Chene-Bougeries, Switzerland
²Cliniques des Grangettes, 1224 Chene-Bougeries, Switzerland
³Istituto di Radiologia, Università di Genova Largo R Benzi, Genova, Italy

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Ankle tendon and ligament disorders are commonly encountered in everyday orthopedic practice. Whereas tendons can be affected by traumatic, degenerative, and inflammatory conditions, ligaments are mostly involved by tears. Ultrasonography (US) has been accepted worldwide as an efficient, ready, dynamic, and noninvasive tool in assessing ankle tendons and ligaments. The recent technological advances in software and hardware of US equipment have improved the possibilities of US in ankle assessment, and modern equipment allows an accurate depiction of ankle structures. As with all imaging modalities, knowledge of the scanning technique and knowledge of normal US anatomy are prerequisites for a successful examination. In this article we briefly review the normal anatomy of ankle tendons and main ligaments relevant to the US examination. Then we present the routine US technique of examination for the anterior, posterolateral, posteromedial, and posterior region followed by a description of the normal US appearance of tendons, bursae, and ligaments.

KEYWORDS

Ultrasound - ankle - tendons

Full Text

References

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Dr.
Stefano Bianchi

Fondation et Clinique des Grangettes, 7 chemin des Grangettes

1224 Chene-Bougeries, Switzerland