MR imaging of pediatric trauma

Although plain radiography remains the most important and cost-effective imaging for screening and characterizing osseous injuries, it has been well recognized that pediatric fractures can occur without radiographic abnormalities. The superb capability of MR imaging in demonstrating marrow edema, cartilage defects, and soft tissue injuries makes it an essential adjunct in the further evaluation of trauma to the growing skeleton. The key MR imaging findings of growth plate injuries, stress fractures, avulsion injuries, osteochondritis dissecans, transient patellar dislocation, and soft tissue injuries are described in this article.