Foot MRI

MRI of a single foot evaluating metatarsals, plantar fascia, Lisfranc ligament, spring ligament, and midfoot joints. Detects stress fractures and Morton's neuroma.

The foot MRI provides imaging of the tarsal and metatarsal bones, midfoot and forefoot joints, plantar fascia, Lisfranc ligament complex, spring ligament, and the intermetatarsal spaces. This examination detects pathology that is frequently missed or poorly characterized on radiographs and ultrasound. The protocol includes coronal, sagittal, and axial T1 and T2-weighted sequences with STIR for bone marrow oedema. The radiologist evaluates for stress fractures (particularly in metatarsals, navicular, and calcaneus), plantar fasciitis and fascial tears, Lisfranc ligament injuries, Morton's neuroma in the intermetatarsal spaces, tarsal coalition, and inflammatory arthritis patterns in the small joints. The STIR sequence is especially important for detecting early stress reactions before a fracture line develops. Common indications include persistent foot pain despite normal X-rays, suspected stress fracture in runners, plantar heel pain, midfoot injury after trauma, and forefoot pain suggesting Morton's neuroma. The open-bore scanner allows comfortable foot positioning throughout the examination.