13 MHz high-frequency sonography of the lateral ankle joint ligaments and the tibiofibular syndesmosis in anatomic specimens.

In this study, the ligaments of the ankle joint and the tibiofibular syndesmosis were examined in formalin-fixed anatomic specimens using a 13 MHz sonographic scanner. For this purpose, 48 specimens of the ankle joint were examined, and the anterior tibiofibular, anterior talofibular, and calcaneofibular ligaments were marked by sonographically guided dye injection. The markings were checked during the subsequent dissection. The number of identifications reached 89.6% for the anterior tibiofibular and talofibular ligaments and 87% for the calcaneofibular ligament. The results show that the most frequently injured ligaments of the ankle joint can be visualized reliably by use of 13 MHz high-frequency sonography.