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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2024; 28(04): 490-504
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779246
 

Pediatric Foot: Development, Variants, and Related Pathology

Daniel F. Morgan
1   Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
2   Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
,
Stacey M. Elangovan 
1   Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
2   Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
,
Arthur B. Meyers 
1   Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
2   Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Abstract

Pediatric foot development throughout childhood and adolescence can present a diagnostic dilemma for radiologists because imaging appearances may be confused with pathology. Understanding pediatric foot development and anatomical variants, such as accessory ossification centers, is essential to interpret musculoskeletal imaging in children correctly, particularly because many of these variants are incidental but others can be symptomatic. We first briefly review foot embryology. After describing common accessory ossification centers of the foot, we explain the different patterns of foot maturation with attention to irregular ossification and bone marrow development. Common pediatric foot variants and pathology are described, such as tarsal coalitions and fifth metatarsal base fractures. We also discuss pediatric foot alignment and various childhood foot alignment deformities.

Keywords

pediatric foot - development - ossification - tarsal coalition - foot alignment

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Article published online:
29 July 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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