MR imaging of physeal bars.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if three-dimensional (3D) rendered and projection images derived from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data are advantageous for the preoperative assessment of physeal bars.


METHODS
Fifteen patients with suspected physeal bars were examined with MR imaging. Gradient-echo sequences were used with both two-dimensional and 3D MR imaging techniques. The 3D rendered and projection images were then derived from the MR imaging data. Patients were categorized on the basis of the effect of MR images on the decision to perform physeal bar excision.


RESULTS
MR findings had either a moderate (n = 7) or a major (n = 6) effect on the surgical treatment of 13 patients (87%). They had no effect in two patients (13%) and were misleading in none.


CONCLUSIONS
MR imaging is an excellent modality for imaging physeal bars. Imaging data can be processed to yield both 3D rendered and projection physeal maps that are particularly useful in preoperative planning.
Borsa
J J
JJ
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Peterson
H A
HA
Ehman
R L
RL
D000293:Adolescent; D001848:Bone Diseases, Developmental / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies