Dynamic Ultrasound in Evaluation of Tendo-ligamentous Ankle Injury

Several imaging modalities, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound (US) can be used to evaluate the ankle. However, US has several benefits for the evaluation of the tendons and ligaments of the ankle, such as its suitability to be integrated with a dynamic assessment and a stress test, its ability to provide real-time analysis, its avoidance of the risk of radiation exposure, and its cost-effectiveness. US is especially powerful when used to evaluate a tear, subluxation, or dislocation in a dynamic examination and when performing a comparison with the contralateral extremity. Dynamic imaging with muscle contraction or passive movement is often helpful. Additionally, Doppler imaging may be used to distinguish small intrasubstance tears from blood vessels that can occur in a tendinopathic tendon.