METHODS: A total of 547 ankles from 406 patients underwent surgery for LAI between 2019 and 2022. If ligament fibers remained in US images, they were evaluated as positive. If the ligament was not visualized, it was evaluated as negative. Two observers performed repeated measurements. Arthroscopic findings were considered the "gold standard" for validity and diagnostic test accuracy purposes. The intra- and interobserver agreements and parameters for diagnostic accuracy, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of preoperative US imaging as intraoperative arthroscopic findings were used as reference standards.

RESULTS: The intraobserver agreement was substantial, with an agreement of 98.54% and a kappa coefficient of 0.76. The interobserver agreement was also substantial, with an agreement of 98.72% and a kappa coefficient of 0.75. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of preoperative US imaging were 98.7%, 100%, and 98.7%, respectively. The PPV and NPV of US imaging were 100% and 61.1%, respectively. In the arthroscopic evaluation of the 7 cases in which US imaging showed false negative results, the ATFL ruptured at the fibular attachment and ran in contact with the talus.