Four-dimensional CT as a valid approach to detect and quantify kinematic changes after selective ankle ligament sectioning

The objective of the current study was to explore the potential of dynamic computed tomography to detect kinematic changes, induced by sequential sectioning of the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle, during full motion sequence of the talocrural joint. A custom-made device was used to induce cyclic controlled ankle inversion movement in one fresh frozen cadaver leg. A 256-slice CT scanner was used to investigate four different scenarios. Scenario 1 with all ligaments intact was first investigated followed by sequential section of the anterior talo-fibular ligament (Scenario 2), the calcaneo-fibular ligament (Scenario 3) and posterior talo-fibular ligament (Scenario 4). Off-line image processing based on semi-automatic segmentation and bone rigid registration was performed. Motion parameters such as translation, rotational angles and orientation and position of the axis of rotation were calculated. Differences between scenarios were calculated. Progressive increase of cranio-caudal displacement up to 3.9 mm and flexion up to 10° compared to Scenario 1 were reported. Progressive changes in orientation (up to 20.6°) and position (up to 4.1 mm) of the axis of rotation were also shown. Estimated effective dose of 0.005 mSv (1.9 mGy CTDI(vol)) was reported. This study demonstrated that kinematic changes due to the absence of ligament integrity can be detected with 4DCT with minimal radiation exposure. Identifying abnormal kinematic patterns could have future application in helping clinicians to choose patients’ optimal treatment. Therefore, further studies with bigger in vitro sample sizes and consequent investigations in vivo are recommended to confirm the current findings.