Swollen ischiopubic synchondrosis: a dilemma for the radiologist.

Differences in size and shape of ischiopubic synchondrosis in childhood may present problems in diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Whereas asymptomatic swollen ischiopubic synchondrosis represents a normal ossification process, painful swelling is a symptom of underlying pathology. Five children are described with symptomatic ischiopubic synchondrosis swelling, four representing stress reaction and one with osteomyelitis. Radiologists should be careful when reporting on swollen ischiopubic synchondrosis in symptomatic children.