Computed tomography of partial growth plate arrest: initial experience

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Pediatric Imaging

Background:

• Partial growth plate tethering can lead to limb length discrepancies and deformities.
• Accurate preoperative assessment is crucial for effective surgical intervention.
• Traditional imaging methods like polytomography have limitations in visualizing growth plate anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of thin-slice, high-resolution computed tomography (CT) in assessing partial growth plate tethering.
• To determine the correlation between CT findings and surgical pathology in patients with growth plate arrest.
• To establish CT as a preferred imaging modality for operative planning.

Main Methods:

• Thin-slice (1.5 mm) axial or direct coronal high-resolution computed tomography (CT) was performed on twelve growth plates in 11 patients.
• The epiphyseal plate was identified as a low-density soft tissue layer between the epiphysis and metaphysis.
• CT findings were correlated with surgical pathology findings.

Main Results:

• High-resolution CT clearly visualized the normal epiphyseal plate.
• Two growth plates showed greater than 50% obliteration, and ten exhibited partial obliteration.
• CT findings demonstrated excellent correlation with surgical pathology.

Conclusions:

• Thin-slice, high-resolution CT is an effective imaging modality for evaluating partial growth plate tethering and arrest.
• CT provides accurate anatomical detail, correlating well with surgical findings.
• CT is recommended to replace polytomography in the operative evaluation of partial growth plate arrest.