Abstract
Arthrofibrosis is defined as joint pain and stiffness that does not allow functional
range of motion and is due to adhesions or contracture of the joint. Arthrofibrosis
is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of fibrous tissue that may be focal
or diffuse and intra-articular or extra-articular. Trauma and surgery are the most
common etiological factors. In the ankle and foot symptomatic arthrofibrosis is not
uncommonly seen in the talocrural joint, posterior subtalar joint, and the metatarsophalangeal
joints. Imaging can assist with diagnosis and planning treatment, most commonly using
MRI and occasionally ultrasound. Typical imaging findings consist of capsular and
pericapsular thickening and scarring, best demonstrated on proton-density MR images
but also demonstrable on ultrasound.
Keywords
arthrofibrosis - ankle - foot - magnetic resonance imaging - ultrasound