MR imaging of physeal bars

PURPOSE: To determine if three-dimensional (3D) rendered and projection images derived from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data are advantageous for the preoperative assessment of physeal bars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with suspected physeal bars were examined with MR imaging. Gradient- echo sequences were used with both two-dimensional and 3D MR imaging techniques. The 3D rendered and projection images were then derived from the MR imaging data. Patients were categorized on the basis of the effect of MR images on the decision to perform physeal bar excision. RESULTS: MR findings had either a moderate (n = 7) or a major (n = 6) effect on the surgical treatment of 13 patients (87%). They had no effect in two patients (13%) and were misleading in none. CONCLUSION: MR imaging is an excellent modality for imaging physeal bars. Imaging data can be processed to yield both 3D rendered and projection physeal maps that are particularly useful in preoperative planning.