Imaging methods and the immature joint: an introduction -- Peculiarities of the anatomy and development of the normal immature skeleton -- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis -- The juvenile-onset spondyloarthritides and the pediatric collagen diseases -- Infectious arthopathies and related diseases -- Articular and peri-articular tumors and pseudotumors -- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease -- Musculoskeletal findings in children with hematologic diseases -- Acute articular trauma and the abused child syndrome -- Sports-related articular and musculoskeletal lesions in skeletally immature patients -- Imaging the spine of the child with rheumatic conditions -- Selected dysplastic and developmental changes of the immature joint.

Since the advent of cross-sectional imaging methods, few works have been devoted to pediatric musculoskeletal imaging, and information is especially limited on the skeletally immature joint. Furthermore, reduced emphasis on pediatric training means that general radiologists are increasingly unfamiliar with normal and abnormal imaging findings in children and adolescents. Knowledge of the imaging appearances of the immature joint is, however, crucial for correct image interpretation. This book covers key selected topics in the imaging evaluation of the skeletally immature joint. The opening chapters consider the current role, advantages, and limitations of each modality in pediatric assessment and present the imaging appearances of anatomic and developmental peculiarities of the growing skeleton. Findings in a wide range of important conditions are then described in a series of richly illustrated chapters that document appearances on diverse imaging studies, from conventional radiography through to modern high-tech modalities. By presenting the essential information on imaging of the immature joint, the authors hope to provide radiologists (musculoskeletal specialists and generalists alike) with a new tool that will assist greatly in overcoming the daily challenges posed by interpretation of pediatric examinations in the twenty-first century. The book will also be of interest to all other specialists involved in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with articular complaints.