Novel Developments in Sports Injuries: The Ankle

Abstract

Sports injuries may cause traumatic and degenerative injuries at both an amatuer and professional level and are caused by direct athletic gestures or biomechanical modifications triggered by repetitive movements. Because of its particular morphology, the ankle is often involved in these injuries, particularly in soccer, athletics and basketball. The most common pathologies involve sprains, but there may also be osteochondral fractures, impingement syndrome, stress fractures or tendon injuries. There is a complex diagnostic cycle which must include an evaluation of the clinical history, specific information from specialists and diagnostic imaging. Nowadays, there are many and varied methodologies available that vary in sensibility and specificity. The correct diagnostic imaging cycle must be followed, integrating the methodologies in such a way as to obtain the most reliable diagnostic data as possible.