Magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle and foot.

MRI has gained wide acceptance in evaluating the musculoskeletal system because of its wide array of advantages, including its superior soft-tissue contrast, noninvasiveness, direct multiplanar imaging, and lack of ionizing radiation. Its high-resolution images allow excellent visualization of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilaginous elements. MRI's greater sensitivity in detecting effusions and focal areas of pathology over other currently available imaging modalities make it the method of choice in many instances when imaging the foot and ankle.