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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2017; 21(02): 137-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1599205
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Imaging of the Pediatric Knee

Jessica R. Leschied
1   Section of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Kara Gaetke Udager
2   Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 March 2017 (online)

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Abstract

The knee joint is commonly injured in the young athlete. This article discusses the common injury patterns around the knee that are unique to this patient population. Pediatric patients have relative weak points at their physes and apophyses that result in different forces on ligaments and bones during injury compared with adults. Common pathologic findings seen on imaging include patellar and patellar tendon injury, physeal fractures, osteochondral abnormality, ligament tears, and meniscal injury. Imaging studies are also performed to evaluate pediatric patients after surgical knee injury repair, and radiologists should be familiar with certain pediatric-specific knee repair techniques and their imaging appearances. A thorough knowledge of normal and pathologic imaging findings of the pediatric knee allows the radiologist to make important diagnostic and management contributions.

Keywords

pediatric knee - sports injury - juvenile osteochondral abnormality - transient patellar dislocation
 

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