Magnetic resonance imaging of pediatric musculoskeletal trauma

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injury in children is common and can lead to lifelong disability. The unique ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the cartilaginous ends of growing bones, bone marrow, and supporting soft-tissue structures makes it ideally suited for evaluation of injury in these patients and the complicating growth disturbance. This article reviews the role of MRI in several common pediatric musculoskeletal injuries and their related growth disturbances. A review of normal musculoskeletal growth and enchondral ossification and the magnetic resonance signal characteristics of the growing skeleton is provided as necessary background. The discussion includes MRI features of physeal fractures and posttraumatic growth arrest, epiphyseal and osteochondral injuries, stress fractures, avulsion injuries, and musculoskeletal soft-tissue injuries.