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MRI findings of bilateral proximal radial physeal injury in a gymnast

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Abstract

Recent advances in imaging techniques shed light on anatomical variants considered normal historically in medical literature. We present an 11-year-old gymnast with unilateral left elbow pain and unusual symmetrical radiographic findings of both elbows that initially raised the question of normal variant cleft epiphysis of the proximal radius. Further imaging with MRI demonstrated bilateral elbow injury that is likely repetitive and chronic rather than an anatomical variant. Post-treatment MRI showed improved changes with rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These findings emphasize the need for vigilance and further investigation when diagnosing a normal variant, particularly in an athlete.

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Conflict of interest

We have no conflicts of interest to report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA

    Mary Catherine Huckaby

  2. Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA

    Liliane Harika Gibbs

  3. Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center, UC Irvine Comprehensive Sports Concussion Program, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Family Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA

    David Kruse

  4. University of California Irvine, 300 S. Old Bridge Road, Anaheim, CA, 92808, USA

    Liliane Harika Gibbs

Authors
  1. Mary Catherine Huckaby
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  2. David Kruse
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  3. Liliane Harika Gibbs
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Liliane Harika Gibbs.

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Huckaby, M.C., Kruse, D. & Gibbs, L.H. MRI findings of bilateral proximal radial physeal injury in a gymnast. Pediatr Radiol 42, 1395–1400 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-012-2437-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-012-2437-8

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