Imaging of the Posttraumatic Knee in Pediatric Patients

Owing to its continuous transformation, the musculoskeletal system of pediatric patients presents some unique features with respect to both anatomy and physiology. The lesional pattern of the knee in pediatric patients is both similar to and in many aspects different from the lesional pattern in adults with knee injuries. In the case of pediatric patients, meniscal, tendinous and ligamentous lesions occur most frequently as a consequence of traumatic episodes. The purpose of the present study is to emphasize the importance of MRI examinations in pediatric patients exhibiting symptoms of knee joint injury. The imaging assessment of the extent of the lesions, which can be either simple or complex alterations, can directly influence the clinical management of these cases by appreciating the growth potential of the specific segment of immature skeleton involved.