MR-IMAGING OF PHYSEAL BARS

PURPOSE: To determine if three-dimensional (3D) rendered and projectio n images derived from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data are advanta geous for the preoperative assessment of physeal bars. MATERIALS AND M ETHODS: Fifteen patients with suspected physeal bars were examined wit h MR imaging. Gradient-echo sequences were used with both two-dimensio nal and 3D MR imaging techniques. The 3D rendered and projection image s were then derived from the MR imaging data. Patients were categorize d on the basis of the effect of MR images on the decision to perform p hyseal bar excision. RESULTS: MR findings had either a moderate (n = 7 ) or a major (n = 6) effect on the surgical treatment of 13 patients ( 87%). They had no effect in two patients (13%) and were misleading in none. CONCLUSION: MR imaging is an excellent modality for imaging phys eal bars. Imaging data can be processed to yield both 3D rendered and projection physeal maps that are particularly useful in preoperative p lanning.