Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2018; 22(01): 095-103
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1608002
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Primary Physis

James M. Brian
1   Department of Radiology and Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
2   Department of Radiology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
,
David H. Choi
2   Department of Radiology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
,
Michael M. Moore
1   Department of Radiology and Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
2   Department of Radiology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 February 2018 (online)

Abstract

The primary physis is responsible for long bone growth in children and adolescents. Injury and physiologic or metabolic stress to the primary physis present unique radiologic findings that are important for radiologists to recognize and diagnose. Appreciation of the anatomy and histology of the primary physis forms the basis for understanding the imaging findings associated with pathologic conditions affecting the primary physis. Salter-Harris injuries, physeal bars, growth arrest lines, rickets, and focal periphyseal edema zones are common conditions with recognizable radiologic presentations. Proper diagnosis of these primary physeal conditions will aid in the treatment of affected pediatric patients.

 
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