Abstract
Structural abnormalities on MRI are frequent after an ankle sprain. To determine the
association between patient history, physical examination and early osteoarthritis
(OA) in patients after a previous ankle sprain, 98 patients with persistent complaints
were selected from a cross-sectional study. Patient history taking and physical examination
were applied and MRI was taken. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to
test possible associations. Signs of OA (cartilage loss, osteophytes and bone marrow
edema) were seen in the talocrural joint (TCJ) in 40% and the talonavicular joint
(TNJ) in 49%. Multivariable analysis showed a significant positive association between
swelling (OR 3.58, 95%CI 1.13;11.4), a difference in ROM of passive plantar flexion
(OR 1.09, 95%CI 1.01;1.18) and bone edema in the TCJ. A difference in ROM of passive
plantar flexion (OR 1.07, 95%CI 1.00;1.15) and pain at the end range of dorsiflexion/plantar
flexion (OR 5.23, 95%CI 1.88;14.58) were associated with osteophytes in the TNJ. Pain
at the end of dorsiflexion/plantar flexion, a difference in ROM of passive plantar
flexion and swelling seem to be associated with features of OA (bone marrow edema,
osteophytes) in the TCJ and TNJ. Our findings may guide physicians to predict structural
joint abnormalities as signs of osteoarthritis.
Level of evidence: 1b
Key words
ankle - injury - examination - radiographic - abnormalities
