The perichondrium is a complex structure centered at the chondro-osseous junction of growing bones. It plays an important role in both normal skeletal development and in pathological conditions. This review illustrates the normal anatomy, function and imaging appearance of the perichondrium from fetal development to older childhood. The radiologic appearance of the perichondrium in skeletal trauma, infection and tumors in which it plays a role also are reviewed.
Keywords: Anatomy; Bone growth and development; Children; Magnetic resonance imaging; Perichondrium; Skeleton.