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MRI of traumatic patellar dislocation in children
Ali Zaidi1, Paul Babyn, Ivan Astori
1Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. a.zaidi@utoronto.ca
Pediatric Radiology
|September 13, 2006
Summary
Traumatic patellar dislocations (TPD) in children often present occultly on MRI. Early recognition of bone bruising, cartilage damage, and medial patellar injuries is crucial for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
Background:
- Traumatic patellar dislocations (TPD) are common in children.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is vital for pediatric musculoskeletal injuries.
- No prior pediatric studies detailed MR features of TPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and characterize injuries associated with TPD in pediatric patients using MRI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric patients with clinically or radiologically confirmed TPD.
- Inclusion criteria: suggestive MR findings.
- Assessment of bone, cartilage, soft-tissue injuries, and patellofemoral relationships.
Main Results:
- 26 pediatric patients (10-18 years) analyzed.
- High prevalence of inferomedial patellar bone bruising (81%) and lateral femoral condyle bone bruising (81%).
- Frequent cartilage injuries (38%), osteochondral fragments (42%), and medial patellar restraint injuries (81%).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric TPD MRI findings mirror adult presentations.
- TPD in children can be occult, necessitating careful evaluation.
- Timely diagnosis relies on identifying bone bruising, osteochondral injuries, and medial patellar stabilizer damage.
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