Magnetic resonance imaging of the foot and ankle: correlation of normal anatomy with pathologic conditions.

Abnormalities of the foot and ankle can be difficult to diagnose by conventional examination and x-rays. Recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a diagnostic tool for soft tissue and bony imaging. One hundred and ten normal feet and ankles were studied to define normal MRI anatomy. An additional 150 MRI scans were performed to diagnose and characterize various abnormal conditions. MRI demonstrated excellent definition of normal structures and pathologic entities. Surgical correlation with the MRI was done in 42 patients. MRI appears to be a useful examination for patients with certain soft tissue and bony abnormalities. A special oblique view also has been developed to assist in the diagnosis of injuries to the tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus, and flexor digitorum longus tendons.