The magnetic resonance imaging or MRI of the ankle is a routine procedure used to diagnose the disorders of the ankle and foot. This imaging test produces clear images of the inside of the ankle, allowing doctors to see the patient’s ankle and foot and make a diagnosis without cutting into their body. A doctor may recommend an MRI for ankle if the patient has been in a recent accident or has been experiencing other problematic symptoms related to their ankle, affecting the overall quality of their life. The preparation, process, associated risks, and cost of the procedure are discussed here. Keep reading to learn more about an ankle MRI scan.
What is an ankle MRI scan?
An MRI for the ankle, also referred to as ankle joint MRI or ankle MRI, is an imaging test that uses radio waves and magnetism to produce the clear image of the insides of the ankle. Doctors can examine the ankle, forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot by using this safe and pain-free imaging test. The ankle joint MRI results clearly show the bones, ligaments, blood vessels, tendons, cartilage, and other soft tissues, which enable the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s health and prescribe a suitable care plan.
Although tests such as CT scans and X-rays usually indicate the need for an MRI, this test is extremely important in making the correct diagnosis and deducing the pathology for the patient. Additionally, an MRI is considered a safer procedure than other tests that use radiation. To improve the clarity of images from an ankle MRI scan, healthcare providers may also use a special coil and/or contrast medium—a safe intravenous drug.
Anatomical overview of the ankle
A prominent joint, the ankle, for any person’s mobility is where the foot and legs are joined together. The ankle is made up of three bones—the tibia and fibula in the lower leg and the talus in the foot. It is supported and stabilised by numerous strong ligaments that connect the bones and enable a wide range of motion for the joint. Additionally, a number of tendons help with the movement and stability of the joint by attaching the muscles to the bones.
An ankle is a complex joint that enables a person to walk, run, dance, and perform other activities. A problem with the ankle can greatly impact a person’s mobility and life.
Why is an ankle MRI scan recommended?
Doctors recommend an ankle MRI scan to diagnose problems in or around the ankle joint that are impacting the patient’s life. An ankle MRI scan can help doctors to prescribe a suitable course of action for the patient if they find broken bones, ruptured tendons, and/or torn ligaments. This non-invasive test helps in the following ways:
- In the diagnosis and assessment of abnormalities or injuries of the ankle joint, including fractures
- In monitoring the progress of a patient over the course of time
- In identifying the presence of foreign objects
- In assessing the functioning of soft tissues around the ankle joint
- In eliminating invasive procedures such as arthroscopy for diagnostic purposes
An MRI for the ankle can help in the diagnosis of different conditions, including the following:
- Ganglion cyst (fluid-filled cyst) on or near the ankle or tendons in the ankle
- Osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease) that occurs when the cartilage between the bones in the ankle wears down over time
- Tenosynovitis (inflammation of the sheath of a tendon) of the ankle
- Impingement (compression or pinching) of the bones or tissues in the ankle joint
- Pigmented villonodular synovitis (or PVNS) affecting the living of the ankle joint
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteomyelitis (an infection of the bones) in the ankle joint
- Sarcoma (a rare type of cancer that affects the tissues in and around the ankle)
An ankle MRI scan can also detect common injuries of the ankle, such as:
- Sprain (injury to the ligaments) of the ankle
- Fractures in the ankle
- Strain (injury to the tendons or muscles) in the ankle
- Achilles tendinitis or inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone
- Shin splints or tears in the tissue covering the shin bone
Preparing for an ankle MRI
Here are some recommendations to help the patient prepare for an ankle MRI:
- Patients are advised to wear comfortable clothing that does not have any metal objects.
- People who are claustrophobic can take some medication after consulting with their doctor to prevent triggering the fear of tight spaces in an MRI machine during the procedure.
- Patients must inform the healthcare provider about any medical implants.
- Women who are pregnant or maybe pregnant should inform the doctor, as MRIs are not recommended in the first trimester of the pregnancy unless it is absolutely necessary.
*If a person has had an allergic reaction to the contrast medium in the past, they must inform their healthcare providers about the same.
MRI for ankle: Procedure
The process starts with the patient removing all accessories and clothes that have metal, including jewellery, watches, and pants or shirts with zippers. If required, the healthcare provider may also give them a hospital gown to change into. After this, the patient is asked to lie on the examination table with their feet facing the MRI machine. Then, the healthcare provider will adjust the ankle, which is to be examined, in the correct position and may place a coil over it to help with image clarity. The patient may be given earplugs or headphones to prevent discomfort from the loud noises coming from the MRI machine during the procedure; if no earplugs are provided, the patient can request the healthcare provider for them. If the patient requires a contrast MRI, the healthcare provider will give them the constraint dye intravenously through their arm or hand.
After explaining the procedure and sharing important guidelines, the healthcare provider will exit the room and operate the machine from an adjacent room. The test usually takes 30–60 minutes, during which the patient has to remain still to avoid blurred images on the scan. Once the test is complete, the results will be analysed by a radiologist and shared with the concerned doctor or the patient with an attached report. The reports usually arrive on the same day.
Risks associated with an ankle MRI scan
Generally considered a safe option, an MRI for the ankle has only a few potential risks that do not affect every patient. People who have certain medical devices, such as a pacemaker, or metal objects inside their bodies, like metal plates or pins, are not recommended MRIs. Such individuals must inform their healthcare providers about their previous medical history and any objects that might interfere with the test results—metal or magnetic objects. Since MRIs use magnetism and the MRI room has a strong magnetic field, the metal objects inside a person’s body can heat up or shift from their place, causing health complications for the patient. Some people are also allergic to the contrast dye used in certain MRIs on certain patients.
Cost of an ankle MRI scan
The price of an MRI for the ankle in India can range from INR 2500 to INR 8000; this depends on various factors such as the type of hospital or diagnostic centre one has chosen. The patients may be able to claim this expense while filing for their health insurance claim, but it is better to confirm the coverage of an ankle MRI scan with the insurance provider beforehand.
