Knowledge of the imaging appearances of the immature joint is crucial for correct image interpretation, yet this is a relatively neglected subject in the literature and in training. This book presents the essential information on imaging of the immature joint with the aim of providing radiologists (musculoskeletal specialists and generalists alike) and other specialists with a new tool that will assist greatly in overcoming the daily challenges posed by interpretation of pediatric examinations in the twenty-first century. The opening chapters consider the current role, advantages, and limitations of each modality in pediatric assessment and present the imaging appearances of anatomic and developmental peculiarities of the growing skeleton. Findings in a wide range of important conditions are then described in a series of richly illustrated chapters that present appearances on diverse imaging studies, from conventional radiography through to modern high-tech modalities.

Imaging methods and the immature joint: an introduction

Peculiarities of the anatomy and development of the normal immature skeleton
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
The juvenile-onset spondyloarthritides and the pediatric collagen diseases
Infectious arthopathies and related diseases
Articular and peri-articular tumors and pseudotumors
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Musculoskeletal findings in children with hematologic diseases
Acute articular trauma and the abused child syndrome
Sports-related articular and musculoskeletal lesions in skeletally immature patients
Imaging the spine of the child with rheumatic conditions
Selected dysplastic and developmental changes of the immature joint.