Imaging of epiphyseal injuries

Abstract

There have been many advances in the diagnosis and treatment of epiphyseal injuries in the 30 years since the publication of the landmark article by Drs Robert Salter and William Harris. They are the subject of this review. The anatomic features of the physis, epiphysis, and metaphysis are presented, and histologic studies of human and experimental physeal injuries are described. The recently recognized histologic, anatomic, and imaging characteristics of bone bridging of the physis resulting in growth disturbances are reviewed. Modification in and additions to the original Salter-Harris classification system have been proposed. The role and technique of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of the initial injury and analysis of subsequent growth disturbance are discussed.