Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) permits noninvasive evaluation of the cartilage of the growth plate and epiphysis. This paper reports three cases where MRI was used to supplement conventional radiography in the assessment of acute physeal injuries. In the first patient, MRI was used for postoperative assessment of a radial neck fracture, avoiding further surgical exploration. In the second case, MRI was compared with ultrasonography in the diagnosis of proximal humeral epiphyseal separation in a neonate. In the third case, MRI and computed tomography were compared in evaluation of a Salter-Harris type 4 distal femur fracture. In all cases MRI was diagnostic. MRI is the investigation of choice in acute complex physeal injuries, and is particularly appropriate for use prior to the appearance of the secondary ossification center.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Ogden JA. Radiologic aspects. In: Ogden JA. Skeletal injury in the child. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1982: 46.
Jaramillo D, Hoffer FA. Cartilaginous epiphysis and growth plate: normal and abnormal MR imaging findings: AJR 1992; 158: 1105.
Havranek P, Lizler J. Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of partial growth arrest after physeal injuries in children. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 1991; 73: 1234.
Jaramillo D, Hoffer FA, Shapiro F, Rand F. MR imaging of fractures of the growth plate. AJR 1990; 155: 1261.
Jaramillo D, Shapiro F, Hoffer FA, et al. Posttraumatic growth-plate abnormalities: MR imaging of bony-bridge formation in rabbits. Radiology 1990; 175: 767.
Kneeland JB. The elbow, wrist and hand. In: Mink JH, Deutsch AL, eds. MRI of the musculoskeletal system: a teaching file. New York: Raven, 1990: 95.
Mink JH. Pitfalls in interpretation. In: Mink JH, Reicher MA, Crues JV, Deutsch AL, eds. MRI of the knee, 2nd edn, New York: Raven, 1993: 457.
Iannotti JP. Growth plate physiology and pathology. Orthop Clin North Am 1990; 21: 1.
Oestreich AE, Ahmad BS. The periphysis and its effect on the metaphysis: I. Definition and normal radiographic pattern. Skeletal Radiol 1992; 21: 283.
Ogden JA. Injury to the growth mechanisms of the immature skeleton. Skeletal Radiol 1981; 6: 237.
Salter RB, Harris WR. Injuries involving the epiphyseal plate. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 1963; 45: 587.
Evans GA. Management of growth disorders after physeal injury. Br J Accident Surg 1990; 21: 329.
Ogden JA. Injury to the growth mechanisms. In: Ogden JA. Skeletal injury in the child. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1982: 97.
Broker FHL, Burbach T. Ultrasonic diagnosis of separation of the proximal humeral epiphysis in the newborn. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 1990; 72: 187.
Dias JJ, Lamont AC, Jones JM. Ultrasonic diagnosis of neonatal separation of the distal humeral epiphysis. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 1988; 70: 825.
DiPietro MA. Pediatric musculoskeletal and spinal sonography. In: Van Holsbeeck M, Introcasso JH, eds. Musculoskeletal ultrasound, St. Louis: Mosby Year Book, 1991; 195.
Zieger M, Doerr U, Schulz RD. Sonography of slipped upper humeral epiphysis due to birth injury. Pediatr Radiol 1987; 17: 425.
Newman JH. Displaced radial neck fractures in children. Injury 1977; 9: 114.
O'Brien PL. Injuries involving the proximal radial epiphysis. Clin Orthop 1965; 41: 51.
Ogden JA. Radius and ulna. In: Ogden JA. Skeletal injury in the child. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1982: 313.
Haliburton RA, Barber JR, Fraser RL. Pseudodislocation: an unusual birth injury. Can J Surg 1967; 10: 455.
Lemperg R, Liliequist B. Dislocation of the proximal epiphysis of the humerus in newborns. Acta Paediatr Scand 1970; 59: 377.
Ogden JA. Humerus. In: Ogden JA. Skeletal injury in the child. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1982: 221.
Neer CS, Horwitz BS. Fractures of the proximal humeral epiphyseal plate. Clin Orthop 1965; 41: 24.
Langenskiold A. Adolescent humerus varus. Acta Chir Scand 1953; 105: 353.
Ogden JA. Femur. In: Ogden JA. Skeletal injury in the child. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1982: 511.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
White, P.G., Mah, J.Y. & Friedman, L. Magnetic resonance imaging in acute physeal injuries. Skeletal Radiol. 23, 627–631 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02580383
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02580383