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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2023; 27(03): 245-255
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1767766
Review Article

Don't Miss Me: Midfoot Sprains, A Point-of-Care Review

Inge C.J. Koetser 
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2   Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine (ACES), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3   Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), Amsterdam Movement Sciences (AMS), Amsterdam Institute Sport Sciences (AISS), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
,
Enrique A. Espinosa Hernández
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2   Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine (ACES), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3   Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), Amsterdam Movement Sciences (AMS), Amsterdam Institute Sport Sciences (AISS), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
,
Prof. dr. Gino M.M.J. Kerkhoffs
4   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine (ACES), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
5   Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), The Netherlands Amsterdam Movement Sciences (AMS), Amsterdam Institute Sport Sciences (AISS), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
,
Simon Goedegebuure
4   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine (ACES), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
5   Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), The Netherlands Amsterdam Movement Sciences (AMS), Amsterdam Institute Sport Sciences (AISS), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
,
Frank F. Smithuis
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2   Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine (ACES), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3   Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), Amsterdam Movement Sciences (AMS), Amsterdam Institute Sport Sciences (AISS), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
,
Prof. dr. Mario Maas
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2   Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine (ACES), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3   Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), Amsterdam Movement Sciences (AMS), Amsterdam Institute Sport Sciences (AISS), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Abstract

Athletes practicing high-contact sports are exposed to an increased risk of midfoot injuries, namely midtarsal sprains. The complexity of reaching an accurate diagnosis is clearly depicted in the reported incidence of midtarsal sprains, ranging from 5% to 33% of ankle inversion injuries. Because the focus of the treating physician and physical therapist is on lateral stabilizing structures, midtarsal sprains are missed at initial evaluation in up to 41% of patients, with delayed treatment as a result.

Detecting acute midtarsal sprains requires a high degree of clinical awareness. Radiologists must become familiar with the characteristic imaging findings of normal and pathologic midfoot anatomy to avoid adverse outcomes such as pain and instability. In this article we describe Chopart joint anatomy, mechanisms of midtarsal sprains, clinical importance, and key imaging findings with a focus on magnetic resonance imaging. A team effort is essential to provide optimal care for the injured athlete.

Keywords

midfoot sprain - midtarsal injury - Chopart - athlete - ankle ligaments


Publication History

Article published online:
25 May 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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