• J Carey, L Spence, H Blickman, and S Eustace.
• Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center, MA 02118, USA.
• Skeletal Radiol. 1998 May 1; 27 (5): 250-5.

PurposeTo evaluate pediatric growth plate injuries with conventional radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To review potential clinical impact of MRI on subsequent patient management and outcome.MethodsFourteen patients with known or suspected growth plate injury were studied. Each patient underwent imaging by conventional radiography and MRI within 2 weeks of injury. Findings on conventional radiographs and on MR images were compared and then correlated with subsequent management and outcome at a mean of 12 months.ResultsDirect visualization of cartilage afforded by MRI improved evaluation of growth plate injury in each case. MRI changed Salter Harris classification or staging in 2 of 9 patients with fractures visualized on conventional radiographs, allowed the detection of radiographically occult fractures in 5 of 14 cases, and resulted in a physical change in management in 5 of the 14 patients studied.ConclusionMRI has an important role in the evaluation of acute pediatric growth plate injury, particularly when diagnostic uncertainty persists following the evaluation of conventional radiographs. MRI allows detection of occult fractures, may alter Salter Harris staging, and in the reported study it frequently resulted in a change in patient management.

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