Imaging Methods and the Immature Joint: An Introduction

Abstract

The last decades of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first century have witnessed unparalleled improvements in diagnostic imaging. Until the 1960s, plain radiographs were the only technique available in this field. In time, however, sophisticated imaging methods were gradually added to the diagnostic arsenal, and even radiographs have entered into the digital arena. Each of these imaging methods has singularities to be considered in the assessment of immature joints, and both the radiologist and the requesting physician must be familiar with them. The requesting physician is supposed to have an open-minded and receptive attitude, consulting the radiologist whenever a doubt arises (e.g., “which imaging method is the most appropriate for this patient in this specific clinical setting?”) and providing all the relevant information for each case. Accordingly, the radiologist must perform the requested imaging study and interpret the findings under the light of the clinical picture. Analyzing the images without taking the clinical background into account is dangerous and may lead to an erroneous – and potentially catastrophic – diagnosis.