Ultrasonographic findings of ankle and foot injuries in college dancers

BACKGROUND: In dance, as in other sports modalities, discomforts can appear that are usually related to the presence of injuries, which, if not correctly diagnosed, can opportunely limit the artistic performance of the dancer. University of Tarapaca has the Integration Folklore Ensemble, a group, with more than 10 years of tradition, which has recognized throughout its history of national and international results. This group is distinguished by the execution of traditional dances, which lead to a high physical effort due to their jumps, turns, and balances. Additionally, to the characteristics of the wardrobe and the use of accessories that sometimes contribute to the appearance of ankle-level discomfort and foot, without knowing the diagnoses causing these discomforts. Therefore, we set ourselves the following objective: to determine the changes in the ultrasound pattern related to injuries at the ankle and foot level in CINUT dancers. METHODS: A non-experimental, quantitative, descriptive, comparative, and correlation study was carried out in 19 dancers of both sexes. For the diagnosis of injuries, ultrasound equipment was used, assessing both ankles and feet in the dancers of the Integration Folkloric Ensemble of the University of Tarapaca. RESULTS: The main results were found in the ankle (sprains and irregularity of the cortical bone at the level of the lateral malleolus). In the feet the distension of the articular capsule of the first finger was found more frequently. Injuries prevailing in the female. There is a positive correlation between sports age and presence of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic evaluation allows to determine the presence of changes in the ultrasound pattern related to injuries, being a highly recommended diagnostic means for the timely analysis of injuries in dancers.