Magnetic resonance imaging of foot and ankle trauma.

MRI is a useful diagnostic tool in the assessment of traumatic lesions of the foot and ankle. It is especially useful in demonstrating acute and chronic tendon and ligament injuries. Subtle fractures, including osteochondral, nondisplaced, and stress fractures, are well shown with MRI but may be difficult to detect on radiographs. A bone scan may also be used to detect these fractures; however, with MRI the fracture extent may be determined. MRI is also useful in diagnosing complication of trauma, such as ischemic necrosis and bone and soft-tissue infections.