The Prevalence, Size, and Anatomic Location of Cartilage and Osteochondral Lesions in Athletes With an Acute Ligamentous Ankle Injury.

BACKGROUND

In athletes with an acute ligamentous ankle injury, cartilage and osteochondral lesions ([O]CLs) have been reported in 8% using 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Visualization of cartilage injuries improves with the use of higher field strengths.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence, size, and anatomic location of (O)CLs in athletes with an acute ligamentous ankle injury using 3-T MRI, as well as to determine the association of (O)CLs with injury of (1) the lateral ankle ligaments and (2) anterior syndesmosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

For this prospective cohort study, all acute ligamentous ankle injuries in athletes (≥18 years of age) evaluated in the outpatient department of a specialized orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital within 7 days after injury were assed for eligibility. Acute ankle injuries were excluded if 3-T MRI could not be obtained within 10 days after injury or if imaging demonstrated a frank fracture. A musculoskeletal radiologist assessed MRI scans for the presence, location, and size of (O)CLs. Morphology was graded using the modified Berndt and Harty score, Griffith MRI score, and International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society score. In addition, injuries of the lateral ankle ligaments and anterior syndesmosis were graded. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between (O)CLs and injury of the (1) lateral ankle ligaments and (2) anterior syndesmosis.

RESULTS

Between September 2016 and February 2020, 171 acute ankle injuries in 166 athletes were included in this study. The overall prevalence of (O)CLs was 14%. (O)CLs of the talus and tibia were observed in 24 (14%) and 9 (5%) acute ankle injuries, respectively. Of 33 (O)CLs, 28 (85%) were classified as cartilage lesions. Lateral ligament injury was observed in 73% of acute ankle injuries, and anterior syndesmosis injury in 38%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis did not show significantly higher odds of (O)CLs in the presence of anterior syndesmosis injury (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 0.90-5.16).

CONCLUSION

In athletes with an acute ligamentous ankle injury, a prevalence for (O)CLs of 14% was established using 3-T MRI. The majority were cartilage lesions. No statistically significant association was established between (O)CLs and lateral ligament or syndesmosis injury was established.