Analisis Prosedur Pemeriksaan Magnetic Resonance Imaging Ankle Joint Menggunakan Head Coil Dengan Klinis Suspek Cedera Anterior Talofibular Ligament Di Unit Radiologi RSU Prima Medika Denpasar

Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury is one of the most common ligament injuries affecting the ankle joint and can lead to chronic ankle instability if not properly evaluated. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging modality with excellent capability for visualizing soft tissue structures, including ligaments, tendons, and periarticular tissues. This study aimed to analyze the ankle MRI examination procedure using a head coil in patients with suspected ATFL injury at the Radiology Unit of RSU Prima Medika Denpasar. A descriptive qualitative method with a case study design was employed, involving three patients with suspected ATFL injury who underwent ankle joint MRI using a head coil. Data collection took place in April 2026 through direct observation, interviews with radiographers and radiologists, and documentation of examination protocols and MRI images. The examination protocol included the following sequences: STIR FSE transverse, STIR FSE sagittal, PD FSE transverse SPAIR, T2 FSE sagittal, STIR FSE coronal, T1 FSE coronal, PD FSE sagittal FS, and PD FSE coronal FS. The results demonstrated that using a head coil produced image quality sufficient for evaluating ankle joint anatomy and ATFL abnormalities. Proton Density Fat Saturation (PD FS) sequences provided optimal ligament visualization and revealed signal intensity changes associated with ligament injury, while STIR sequences were effective in detecting soft tissue and bone marrow edema accompanying ankle injuries. Based on observations and interviews, the use of a head coil serves as a viable alternative for ankle joint MRI in cases of suspected ATFL injury when a dedicated ankle coil is unavailable, provided that proper positioning and optimal sequence selection are implemented.