Physes around the shoulder girdle: normal development and injury patterns.
Traumatic injuries involving the scapula and clavicle in skeletally immature patients have unique characteristics that distinguish them from similar injuries in the mature skeleton. Fractures involving unossified cartilage and unfused epiphyses are difficult to appreciate on plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Knowledge of the developmental anatomy and normal radiological appearances during different stages of development of these bones is an essential prerequisite for the radiologist tasked with interpreting the imaging of such injuries in order to avoid potential diagnostic pitfalls. With increased availability and improved resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we are now better able to distinguish between true joint dislocations and epiphyseal injuries. Making this distinction is important because it can have implications with regards to how the patient is managed and the prognosis.
Radiology Department, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK. Electronic address: I.anwar@doctors.org.uk.
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Anwar
Radiology Department, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK.
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Amiras
Radiology Department, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK.
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Khanna
Radiology Department, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK.
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Walker
D002968:Clavicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000379:methods; D012540:Scapula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging