Imaging of physeal bars in children

Pediatr Radiol. 2015 Aug;45(9):1403-12. doi: 10.1007/s00247-015-3280-5. Epub 2015 Mar 19.

Abstract

The growth plate, also known as the physis or epiphyseal plate, is essential for longitudinal growth of bones in the immature skeleton. A variety of insults to the growth plate from trauma to infection to idiopathic causes can lead to physeal bar formation, an interruption in normal growth plate cartilage, where a bony or fibrous bridge develops between the metaphysis and epiphysis. This bridge restricts subsequent bone growth, leading to limb shortening and/or angular deformities. Early recognition of the presence of a physeal bar can help direct appropriate surgical management to restore linear growth of the bone.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnosis*
  • Growth Plate / abnormalities*
  • Growth Plate / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Salter-Harris Fractures*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*