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Sonography of patellar abnormalities in children
T T Miller1, M A Shapiro, E Schultz
1Department of Radiology, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
Insights
Sonography effectively evaluates the extensor mechanism and unossified patella in young children with congenital lower extremity abnormalities. This fast, cost-effective imaging method offers dynamic assessment without sedation, unlike MR imaging.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Congenital abnormalities of the extensor mechanism in children present diagnostic challenges.
- Conventional imaging may require sedation or lack dynamic assessment capabilities.
Observation:
- Sonography was utilized to assess the patella and patellofemoral joint in three pediatric patients.
- The study focused on children with congenital lower extremity extensor mechanism abnormalities.
Findings:
- Sonography provides a viable method for evaluating the extensor mechanism and unossified patella in young children.
- Dynamic sonographic assessment allows for real-time evaluation of the extensor mechanism's function.
Implications:
- Sonography offers a faster, lower-cost alternative to MR imaging for evaluating pediatric patellofemoral abnormalities.
- The technique's ability to compare contralateral knees and avoid sedation enhances its clinical utility.
Objective:
We describe our experience using sonography to evaluate the patella and patellofemoral joint in three children with congenital abnormalities of the extensor mechanism of the lower extremity.
Conclusion:
Sonography can be used to evaluate the extensor mechanism and unossified patella in young children. Advantages of sonography over MR imaging are no need for sedation, speed of examination and ability to compare with the contralateral knee, low cost, and the sonographer's ability to dynamically evaluate the extensor mechanism.