Abstract
Pediatric foot development throughout childhood and adolescence can present a diagnostic
dilemma for radiologists because imaging appearances may be confused with pathology.
Understanding pediatric foot development and anatomical variants, such as accessory
ossification centers, is essential to interpret musculoskeletal imaging in children
correctly, particularly because many of these variants are incidental but others can
be symptomatic. We first briefly review foot embryology. After describing common accessory
ossification centers of the foot, we explain the different patterns of foot maturation
with attention to irregular ossification and bone marrow development. Common pediatric
foot variants and pathology are described, such as tarsal coalitions and fifth metatarsal
base fractures. We also discuss pediatric foot alignment and various childhood foot
alignment deformities.
Keywords
pediatric foot - development - ossification - tarsal coalition - foot alignment
