It's time to recognize the perichondrium

Tal Laor1, Diego Jaramillo2

  • 1Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA. tal.laor@childrens.harvard.edu.

Pediatric Radiology
|October 16, 2019
PubMed

Insights

The perichondrium, crucial for bone growth and health, is examined from fetal to childhood development. Its role in skeletal trauma, infection, and tumors is also reviewed.

Area of Science:

  • Skeletal biology and radiology

Background:

  • The perichondrium is a key structure at the chondro-osseous junction in growing bones.
  • It is vital for normal skeletal development and implicated in various pathological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the normal anatomy, function, and imaging characteristics of the perichondrium.
  • To explore the perichondrium's appearance in skeletal trauma, infection, and tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of the perichondrium's development and imaging.
  • Analysis of radiologic findings in pathological conditions involving the perichondrium.

Main Results:

  • Detailed illustration of perichondrial anatomy and function from fetal development through childhood.
  • Review of the perichondrium's radiologic appearance in trauma, infection, and tumors.

Conclusions:

  • The perichondrium is essential for skeletal development and its imaging is critical in diagnosing pediatric bone conditions.
  • Understanding the perichondrium's role aids in managing skeletal trauma, infections, and tumors in children.

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