Radiographic/MR Imaging Correlation of the Pediatric Knee Growth.

Normal bone growth of the pediatric knee as well as normal variants of ossification result in different appearances that can be identified on imaging (radiography/MR imaging). Familiarity with these changes is important to avoid confusing normal growth with pathology. This article illustrates the main features related to normal bone growth (growth arrest lines, physeal changes, ossification centers within the epiphysis, hematopoietic marrow within the metaphysis) and physis disappearance (« FOPE »). Variants in femur (epiphyseal irregularities, subchondral anomalies of posterior condyles, periosteal desmoid), tibia (tibial tuberosity ossification), and patella (dorsal defect, bipartite patella, lower pole fragmentation) are also described.