To evaluate the information obtained by magnetic resonance (MR) imagin
g, the radiographic and MR investigations of nine patients treated for
idiopathic tibia vara were reviewed in retrospect. There were six uni
lateral and three bilateral cases (12 tibiae). Initial radiographs of
each patient were assigned a stage according to Catonne's classificati
on. MR imaging was performed with a 0.5- or 1.5-T apparatus. Bony epip
hyses were poorly developed in all cases. The cartilaginous component
of the epiphyses compensated partially (6/12 cases) or completely (6/1
2 cases) for the collapse of the physes. In two cases an abnormal area
was found between the medial meniscus and the cartilaginous portion o
f the epiphysis. An abnormally large medial meniscus was noted in four
cases; an abnormal signal in the medial meniscus was seen in two case
s. MR imaging has several advantages over plain film: it uses no ioniz
ing radiation, it shows the shape of the ossified and cartilaginous ep
iphysis, and it demonstrates meniscal and physeal abnormalities. MR im
aging may influence the choice of treatment.