WRIST PAIN IN A YOUNG GYNMAST - UNUSUAL RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS AND MRIEVIDENCE OF GROWTH-PLATE INJURY

A 10-yr-old gymnast, training well below the elite level, reported a 3 -wk history of bilateral dorsal wrist pain. Physical examination and r adiographic findings were consistent with stress injury to the distal radial growth plates. The patient's radiographs also displayed rare fi ndings including cleft radial and ulnar epiphyses, as well as epiphyse al spur formation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated evide nce of metaphyseal and epiphyseal ischemia of the growth plate. The pa tient responded well to conservative treatment, including ice, splinti ng, and activity modification. This case illustrates several potential ly confusing radiographic abnormalities and the emerging role of MRI i n evaluating wrist pain in young gymnasts.