Magnetic resonance imaging of the foot and ankle.

Beginning with its early success in the hip and knee, magnetic resonance has been universally acknowledged as a major advance in musculoskeletal imaging. Subsequent technical improvements encouraged its rapid adaptation for delineating wrist and shoulder joint pathology. In part because of the small, complex curvilinear structures involved, however, the required technology as well as the potential advantages of magnetic resonance imaging in the ankle and foot were realized only recently. This article illustrates some of the clinical applications of magnetic resonance imaging in foot and ankle pathology.