Imaging for ankle trauma

management can be based on time since injury, persistent pain or difficulty bearing weight. x ray if point bone tenderness or cannot ambulate. X ray first choice at 24 hours. 7 days of symptoms, consider MRI or repeat xray.

limited role for CT or MRI. CT for further evaluation of fractures. MRI best for the rest: Pain > 7days; suspected occult fracture especially talar dome (vs. OCD); problem soving; ortho assessment; etc.