Description
This session centers around the imaging and evaluation of football-related ankle injuries, presented by Stephen Ling. He begins by acknowledging the audience and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to speak. Ling outlines various imaging modalities including X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine studies, emphasizing their relevance in addressing musculoskeletal (MSK) clinical questions. He elaborates on the significance of X-rays being the foundational imaging method, while also highlighting the unique advantages of ultrasound, such as real-time imaging without ionizing radiation.
Ling transitions into the topic of common football injuries, particularly focusing on ankle sprains, which are predominantly ligament injuries involving the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament, and deltoid ligament. The discussion extends to imaging techniques for diagnosing these injuries, providing insights into high-grade ligament tears as seen on MRI scans. He distinguishes between the normal appearance of ligaments and their pathological conditions using detailed imaging examples.
Further elaborating on tendon injuries, Ling discusses the Achilles tendon and peroneal tendons, explaining their commonality in athletes and the typical patterns of injury and imaging findings. He covers additional topics such as plantar fasciitis and metatarsal stress fractures, wrapping up with a brief overview of the implications of osteochondral lesions in the talus and the corresponding imaging techniques that aid in diagnosis.
Overall, the session provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive review of ankle injuries in football players, highlighting critical radiological assessments and their clinical relevance.