Joseph G Craig1, Marnix van Holsbeeck, Ira Zaltz. 1. Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202-2689, USA. josephc@rad.hfh.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review the MR appearances of Blount disease. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: The MR examinations of six knees in four patients (ages 6-7 years) with Blount disease were reviewed. RESULTS: All patients showed delay in ossification of the medial tibial epiphysis. A spectrum of changes was seen in and around the tibial growth plate including: widening and depression of the medial growth plate; small and deep intrusions of cartilage into the metaphysis; edema of the medial tibial epiphysis and medial and lateral metaphysis; varus deformity of the lower leg; widening of the lateral growth plate; osteochondral injury to the medial femoral condyle; hypertrophy of the medial meniscus; focal bone bridging. CONCLUSION: MR appearances are consistent with the primary abnormality in Blount disease, which is failure of endochondral ossification of the medial growth plate. MR examination is useful in surgical planning.
OBJECTIVE: To review the MR appearances of Blount disease. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: The MR examinations of six knees in four patients (ages 6-7 years) with Blount disease were reviewed. RESULTS: All patients showed delay in ossification of the medial tibial epiphysis. A spectrum of changes was seen in and around the tibial growth plate including: widening and depression of the medial growth plate; small and deep intrusions of cartilage into the metaphysis; edema of the medial tibial epiphysis and medial and lateral metaphysis; varus deformity of the lower leg; widening of the lateral growth plate; osteochondral injury to the medial femoral condyle; hypertrophy of the medial meniscus; focal bone bridging. CONCLUSION: MR appearances are consistent with the primary abnormality in Blount disease, which is failure of endochondral ossification of the medial growth plate. MR examination is useful in surgical planning.