Seeking a Second Opinion on Ankle MRI Results
I’m doing my utmost to research my concerns online, but I’m struggling to determine which findings are genuinely alarming and which may merely stem from my active lifestyle as an athlete. As a dedicated rock climber and mountaineer who enjoys long-distance hikes nearly every weekend, I decided to have an MRI after experiencing pain in my ankle accompanied by a noticeable lump. Although the podiatrist reassured me by saying there is a tear but that it’s not serious, I am keen on obtaining a second perspective. Here are the MRI findings: **MRI RESULTS:** - The anterior inferior and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligaments remain intact. - Anterior talofibular, posterior talofibular, and calcaneofibular ligaments are also intact. - Both the deltoid and spring ligaments show no abnormalities. - There’s some attenuation and irregular shape of the peroneus brevis tendon in and just moving away from the retromalleolar groove, which raises suspicion of a partial-thickness longitudinal split tear. Additionally, there is mild peroneal tenosynovitis. - The peroneus longus tendon is intact. - Mild tenosynovitis is noted in the distal posterior tibial area, along with slight fluid in the flexor digitorum and flexor hallucis tendons. - Extensor tendons are intact. - Mild peritendinitis is observed in the Achilles tendon with a trace amount of fluid in the retrocalcaneal bursa. - The plantar fascia is intact. - A ganglion cyst measuring approximately 1.8 x 2.3 cm is located on the lateral side of the ankle, which aligns with the lump I noticed. This cyst likely originates from the sinus tarsi, which appears normal otherwise. - The os trigonum shows partial fragmentation and slight cystic changes in the posterior talus, usually associated with posterior ankle impingement, along with mild fluid accumulation in the posterior tibiotalar joint. - There are no signs of osteochondral lesions, and the tarsal tunnel appears normal. **SUMMARY OF FINDINGS:** 1. The ganglion cyst located laterally on the ankle measures approximately 1.8 x 2.3 cm, correlating with the detectable abnormality. 2. The inferred abnormality of the peroneus brevis tendon raises the possibility of a partial-thickness longitudinal split tear along with mild peroneal tenosynovitis. 3. Mild tenosynovitis is present in the posterior tibial area. 4. There is mild peritendinitis in the Achilles tendon. 5. Observations include partial fragmentation of the os trigonum and mild reactive changes seen in the posterior talus as associated with signs of posterior ankle impingement. I hope to clarify the significance of these results and the best course of action moving forward, hence my search for a second opinion.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 10:30:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to seek clarity on your MRI results, especially as an active athlete. Your findings indicate some notable issues, primarily regarding the peroneus brevis tendon and a ganglion cyst, but also some other mild conditions. Let's break this down and discuss actionable steps.
Key Points:
- Peroneus Brevis Tendon: You have a suspicion of a partial-thickness longitudinal split tear and mild peroneal tenosynovitis.
- Ganglion Cyst: The cyst you mentioned is present and correlates with the lump you noticed.
- Other Mild Findings: There are recurring mild issues in the posterior tibial area, as well as mild peritendinitis in the Achilles tendon and observations related to posterior ankle impingement.
Explanation:
- Partial Tear and Tenosynovitis: A partial tear of the peroneus brevis tendon can cause pain and instability, which might impact your climbing and hiking. The associated tenosynovitis indicates inflammation in the sheath surrounding the tendon.
- Ganglion Cyst: This is a fluid-filled sac that can arise post-injury or from repetitive motions, and it's good that it has been identified, as it can sometimes cause pain or discomfort.
- Mild Tenosynovitis and Peritendinitis: These findings suggest some inflammation around the tendons, which can be common due to high physical activity.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Management:
- Rest: Give your ankle a break, especially from activities that aggravate the symptoms.
- Ice Therapy: Use ice packs on the affected area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression and Elevation: Consider using a compression bandage and elevating your ankle when resting to minimize swelling.
-
Monitoring Symptoms:
- Keep a daily log of your pain levels and any increases in swelling or other symptoms. This can help track changes over time.
-
Physical Therapy:
- A physical therapist can help strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility, which may alleviate some discomfort and support recovery.
-
Consider Further Evaluation:
- Since you seek a second opinion, I recommend consulting another orthopedic specialist who focuses on sports medicine. They can provide targeted insights and may suggest options like corticosteroid injections for inflammation, further imaging if necessary, or in some cases, surgical options to address the cyst or the tendon tear.
-
Activity Modification:
- Gradually reintroduce your physical activities. If certain movements exacerbate your symptoms, consider substituting them with low-impact alternatives until you feel more stable.
Conclusion:
While you do have some concerning findings, many of them are manageable with time and appropriate care. Prioritize rest and seek further evaluation for a tailored treatment plan, particularly as an active individual. Feel free to reach out with more questions or updates on your situation.
Related Questions
Persistent Unpleasant Odor in Nose
I'm a young woman, 18 years old, measuring 5 feet 2 inches in height and weighing 98 pounds. Over the last 5 to 6 days, I've noticed a strange odor in my nasal passages. It's difficult to articulate exactly what it smells like—definitely not smoke or something overly offensive, but certainly off-putting. I’ve read that similar symptoms could be associated with serious conditions like strokes or seizures, which has left me feeling anxious about my health and fearful that something might be seriously wrong. The only time I've experienced unusual smells in my nose was during my COVID-19 illness, although I don’t feel unwell right now. This makes it hard to pinpoint the cause of this odor. Additionally, I'm not sure if this is relevant, but after brushing my teeth earlier, I took a nap and woke up to find that my gums seem a bit swollen. I'm really worried and could use some advice. Should I consider visiting a doctor?
Exploring My Osteoma: A Personal Reflection
As a 19-year-old female, I've noticed an osteoma located at the back of my head, slightly diagonally positioned above my right ear. Recently, I became intrigued about this bump and chose to investigate what it could be. There are times when I experience a dull aching sensation in that area, and it feels somewhat sensitive; yet, for the most part, I forget about its presence altogether. Through my research, I learned about osteomas, which are generally harmless and typically not a cause for concern. Interestingly, I also came across information suggesting that individuals who underwent removal of an osteoma reported improvements in symptoms of depression or related emotional challenges. This revelation made me reflect on my experiences. I’ve noticed a pattern: during moments of emotional distress, the discomfort in my osteoma appears to intensify. This connection has sparked my curiosity regarding how osteomas might relate to the mental well-being of individuals.
Is the Removal of a Pilar Cyst Risky?
At 32 years old, weighing 140 pounds and standing at 5'5", I lead a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and medications. Currently, I have a Pilar cyst situated on my scalp, and I'm scheduled for its extraction tomorrow. To be honest, I’m feeling a bit anxious about the procedure. I can't help but worry about potential complications, like the possibility of the surgeon inadvertently damaging an artery or my having an adverse reaction to the anesthetic injections. I realize that these concerns might appear exaggerated, but I also have a meeting scheduled with a lawyer next week regarding setting up a trust and will. Now I’m contemplating whether it might be wise to postpone the cyst removal until after those arrangements are completed.
Unsure About My Rash: Should I Consult a Doctor?
I’m a 24-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing around 150 pounds. For the past three weeks, I’ve been dealing with a rash under my armpit. I’m uncertain whether it could be a heat rash or something more serious. The rash appears as small bumps filled with clear liquid. I initially tried using some nystatin, as it was the first remedy I came across in my cabinet. The discomfort is quite bothersome; the area is itchy and sore, with flare-ups lasting for about a day before subsiding almost completely, only to return again. Before considering a doctor's visit, I’d like to know if there are any home remedies or over-the-counter treatments that could alleviate my symptoms. I appreciate any suggestions you may have! Additionally, I’m currently taking klonopin and atenolol; I’m not sure if this information is relevant to my situation.
Seeking Temporary Stay in ER Without Psych Facility Transfer
As an 18-year-old female, I'm posting anonymously for personal reasons. Currently, I'm enduring a tough situation at home and experiencing a crisis. I recently contacted the 988 hotline, but unfortunately, it did not provide the assistance I needed. My question is whether I can visit the emergency room and request to stay there for a few days until I feel more secure, or would they be obligated to refer me to a psychiatric facility? I have previous experiences with mental health units and am not inclined to return to one at this time.