Background: Magnetic resonance (MR) techniques used to detect lesions of the ligament complex for articulation of the ankle lack the desired accuracy for the study of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). The lack of sensitivity of the conventional techniques is due to variations in the dimensions of the CFL. The best results are obtained when the image plane is oriented parallel to the ligament. This study aims to develop a model that addresses the width, length and angle parameters of the CFL and the orientation of the MR image plane, and thus determine a technique in the oblique transversal plane with the foot in anatomical flexion, that is adequate for the majority of patients.
Method: To determine this orientation and adapt it to the majority of people, images of the articulation of the ankle in the 3D isotropic, volumetric, sagittal plane of 100 volunteers were taken using the MR technique. None of the volunteers had a clinical history of ligament lesions, serious pathologies, or surgeries. A measurement of the length, width, and angle of the CFL relative to the sole of the foot was performed using the MR tools. A virtual model was developed that simulated the visualization of the CFL in the oblique transversal image plane from 35° to 45° using the CFL dimensions of 100 volunteers. The comparison of the simulations with the reconstructed images validated the model and permitted the calculation of the agreement and sensitivity of each technique in the detection of the complete CFL.
Results: Using the simulator, it was possible to obtain the limit angle for complete CFL visualization as a function of its dimensions for any angle of the oblique transversal image plane of the MR.
Conclusion: The results suggest that a single image acquisition technique in the oblique transversal plane at 38° with the foot in anatomical flexion would serve the majority of patients.