The use of helical computed tomographic scan to assess bony physeal bridges

Coronal and sagittal reformatted images of the physis obtained with the helical computed tomography (CT) scanner were studied in five children. This technique allows tomographic slices at 1.0-mm thickness and can be performed in approximately 20 s. The distal femora were studied in two children, the distal tibia in two children, and the distal radius in one child. In three children, after physeal mapping, bar resections were performed. In all cases, the location and size of the bar was accurately predicted by the map constructed from the helical CT scan. We recommend the helical CT scan to prepare physeal maps to determine the extent and location of physeal bony bars because of excellent bony detail, radiation doses one half to one quarter those of conventional tomography, and the rapidity of scanning, which bypasses the need for sedation.