CROSSING OF THE PHYSIS BY BONE-TUMORS AND OSTEOMYELITIS IN CHILDHOOD

Crossing of the physis by primarily metaphyseal, localized bone tumors and osteomyelitis in childhood was rarely observed, Therefore, the ph ysis in childhood is considered to be a barrier against the spread of tumors and infection, We report five children, in whom MR imaging demo nstrated early crossing of the physis and spread of the disease from t he metaphysis to the epiphysis, Follow-up in three children with osteo myelitis showed that antibiotic therapy resulted in almost complete re solution of the changes in the physis, epiphysis and metaphysis. These observations challenge the concept of the physis as a barrier against the spread of tumors and infection.