title: Avascular necrosis of the epiphysis of the first metatarsal bone.
abstract: We report a case of avascular necrosis of the epiphysis of the right first metatarsal in a 6-year-old boy. Radiographs showed sclerosis, collapse and a crescent sign in the epiphysis. The diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy. Arch support was the therapy of choice. Six months after the onset of symptoms, a definite reossification was present. To our knowledge, this is the first radiological report of avascular necrosis of the epiphysis of the first metatarsal bone in the world literature, which prompted a review of the osteochondroses and their etiology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Virga Jesse Hospital, Stadsomvaart 11, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Souverijns
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Peene
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cleeren
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Raes
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steenwerckx
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004838:Epiphyses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography