A comparison of MRI and clinical examination of acute lateral ankle sprains.

Because of its excellent soft tissue contrast and ability to demonstrate soft tissue structures, magnetic resonance imaging is ideally suited to the evaluation of the soft tissues surrounding the ankle, including the lateral collateral ligaments. This study was undertaken to compare the clinical evaluation of 15 patients who suffered inversion injuries of the ankle with the results found on magnetic resonance imaging within 48 hours of the injury. Physical examination was found to be 100% accurate in the diagnosis of grade III ligament injuries but only 25% accurate in the diagnosis of grade II injuries. Clinicians most often underestimate the damage with a grade II ligament tear. Furthermore, other associated injuries, such as significant capsule ruptures and tendon damage, were often overlooked at physical examination.