Diagnostic imaging of pathologic changes in the ankle joint of ballet dancers (literature review)

Abstract

The ankle plays an essential role in establishing lower extremity stability that is important for such physically demanding sports as ballet. Nonphysiological movements in the joint that force the ankle into extreme positions and repetitive stress during intense practice and performances predispose to the development of pathological conditions. Radiological studies are an integral part of diagnostic algorithm for the search of the causes of pain. The aim was to conduct a literature review on diagnostic imaging of ankle pathology in ballet dancers. Methods Literature searching was performed via databases of PubMed, Cochrane library, eLibrary.ru, etc. using the following terms: ankle pathology in ballet dancers, bballet ankle imaging, ballet ankle. Conclusions Standard radiographs are usually the initial screening modality to evaluate patients, including ballet dancers with lower extremity symptoms, nonetheless, MRI provides a superb global evaluation of each joint, including deep structures and detecting possible causes of pain.