[Determination of intramedullary extension of osteosarcomas using CT with special reference to the epiphyseal groove].

In a study of 21 patients with osteogenic sarcoma of the apendicular skeleton proven by biopsy, the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) for the assessment of intramedullary tumor growth, epiphyseal and joint involvement was determined. CT findings were correlated with histopathologic findings. 10 of the 21 tumors were located far from the epiphysis, in 11 cases the epiphysis was infiltrated. Tumorous involvement of the articular cartilage occurred in 3 patients, in one case the tumor extended beyond the joint. In 85% of the cases the CT report concerning tumor location in regard to the epiphysis was verified histologically. In 3 cases CT overestimated tumor extension.