Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of CT in the determination of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) tear by accepting the MRI results as the reference standard.

METHODS

The study included a total of 62 ankle examinations of 60 patients with both ankle CT and MR images between 2010-2018. ATFL lesions were classified on both CT and MR images as intact or torn (partial tear or complete tear). By accepting the MRI results as the reference standard the accuracy of CT in the determination of ATFL tears were calculated. The patients were also classified as grade 0: normal on CT and MRI, grade 1: thick on CT compatible with forced, thick and with a high signal on MRI, grade 2: partial tear, and grade 3: complete tear.The probability of determining the same grade in both tests was calculated.

RESULTS

CT was calculated to have 74.1% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, 96.4% NPV and 96.7% accuracy in the determination of ATFL tear. The probability of determining the result on CT at the same grade as on MRI was found to be 91.9%.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

CT has a high accuracy in the differentiation of intact ATFL from torn ATFL. Especially under Emergency Department conditions, the determination of whether the ATFL is intact or torn on CT, which is usually applied for the evaluation of bone pathologies, can refer the patient for MRI, change the form of treatment and change the prognosis.