Abstract
Category:
Ankle, Arthroscopy
Introduction/Purpose:
Tram track lesion in the ankle joint has been occasionally found during the ankle arthroscopy and there has been few studies relating the pathophysiology, diagnostic method and treatment of the lesion. This study aimed to show the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of tram track lesion in the ankle joint comparing with ankle arthroscopy.
Methods:
We retrospectively assessed 175 ankles in 170 patients with anterior bony impingement syndrome in the ankle who underwent arthroscopic surgery between January 2013 and July 2015. Anterior ankle bony spurs were scored in preoperative weight-bearing radiographs using the impingement classification. MRIs were reviewed for the detection of tram track lesions according to our definition (focal high signal intensity along the talar dome cartilage surface on coronal view), which were then compared with arthroscopic findings. The grade of cartilage defect was stratified according to international cartilage repair society (ICRS) grading system by arthroscopic finding.
Results:
Fourteen (8.0%) ankles were identified with tram track lesion on MRI and 16 (9.1%) ankles were identified with tram track lesion at ankle arthroscopy. Overall sensitivity of MRI for detection of tram track lesion was 87.5% and specificity was 100%. On plane weight-bearing radiographs, 4 patients had grade 1, 2 patients had grade 2 and 10 patients had grade 3 impingement spurs. Under the ICRS grading system, 4 cases were grade 2, 4 cases were grade 3, and 8 cases were grade 4 at arthroscopy. Comparing with MRI, 2 cases of grade 2, 4 cases of grade 3 and 8 cases of grade 4 were detected (Table). Impingement spur grade showed no significant correlation with arthroscopic ICRS grade of tram track lesion (p = 0.609).
Conclusion:
Tram track lesions in the ankle joint can be confidently detected on MRI with high sensitivity and specificity. Early detection and following treatment of the lesion can maximize the clinical outcome that eliminates the possibility for further damage to the cartilage and consequent osteoarthritic change.