MR imaging of sports-related pseudotumor in children: Mid femoral diaphyseal periostitis at insertion site of adductor musculature

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this stud!: was to review the imaging appearanc e of the femurs of five patients who had been referred from outside institu tions after presenting with thigh pain and being given a preliminary diagno sis of primary malignant bone tumor, Typically, when making a diagnosis, ph ysicians place emphasis on the characteristic appearances of diseases on MR imaging but such appearances may be misleading. An awareness of the specif ic MR imaging pattern of stress-related partial muscle avulsion can lead to the correct diagnosis. CONCLUSION. Femoral diaphyseal periostitis after a sports injury to the add uctor musculature in children has a characteristic imaging appearance. This condition can initially appear to be misleadingly aggressive. Knowledge of the findings-particularly oi. the findings on MR imaging-in the proper cli nical setting can help physicians make the correct diagnosis and eliminate unnecessary biopsy or inappropriate treatment.