MR Imaging of the Pediatric Foot and Ankle: What Does Normal Look Like?

Abstract MR imaging is ideally suited for characterization of the soft tissue, cartilaginous, and osseous structures of the pediatric ankle. An understanding of the normal MR imaging appearance associated with the dynamic skeletal maturation process will prevent overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. In this article, we review the normal MR imaging appearance of the growing ankle as well as several disease processes unique to the pediatric population.