Comparing Ultrasound vs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Examination
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Diagnosis of Spring Ligament Disruption: Comparison of Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imanging and the Heel Neutral Lateral Push Test
IRAS ID
199789
Contact name
Michael Dunne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The aim of the study is to establish the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a newly described clinical test (the 'heel neutral, lateral push test') in diagnosing spring ligament failure in the foot. This research will be carried out within a single site NHS trust in West Norfolk. We aim to study patients over the age of 18 who have the capacity to consent with no contraindications to MRI, that are referred to clinic with a suspected diagnosis of 'flat foot'. We aim to recruit 20 patients in total to the study which will end upon completion of the final diagnostic imaging test. These imaging tests form the normal pathway for patients in our trust undergoing investigation of suspected spring ligament failure. All patients recruited to the study will undergo an MRI and US scan as this is usual care. As the heel neutral, lateral push test has been recently described the aim of the research is to establish it's reliability in diagnosing spring ligament failure compared to current imaging techniques. This examination will be a new part of the diagnostic process and we will aim to establish it's sensitivity and specificity compared to US and MRI scanning.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0452
Date of REC Opinion
25 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion