The osteochondroses are a group of disorders that affect the epiphysis or epiphyseal
equivalent segments of the immature skeleton. These disorders are believed to be primarily
the result of traumatic or vascular pathology, often in the setting of overuse, and
are usually self-limited. Their imaging findings are based on the time of the study
within the natural course of the disease process. Early findings may best be demonstrated
by magnetic resonance imaging or may be recognized radiographically as sclerosis of
the involved segment. Later disease demonstrates bone fragmentation and collapse,
followed by healing where bone architecture is restored with variable reconstitution
of the normal morphology.
Keywords
osteochondrosis - osteonecrosis - avascular necrosis - child - adolescent
