SYMPTOMS:
The patient presented with foot and ankle pain, instability and swelling of the ankle. During the physical examination the ankle was visibly swollen and it was revealed that the patient had also experienced intermittent numbness and tingling. No recent trauma or fall was reported. The onset of the pain was described as “sudden” and “becoming progressively more severe”.
A high resolution 3T MRI was ordered by the foot & ankle specialist. A specialty “ski-boot” coil was used with the 3T MRI scanner to enhance visualization of fine anatomy. Extremely high resolution images were obtained aiding the specialty radiologist in identifying the cause of the patients pain. Representative images of the study are included below. Pathology is clearly labeled an annotated for review.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS:
1. Focal edema within the tarsal tunnel and medial plantar nerve with resulting edema of the abductor hallucis muscle.
