Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of distal tibia fractures in adolescents

This prospective study was performed to assess the benefits of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with plain radiographs in the diagnosis and analysis of transitional fractures in terms of fracture type, anatomy, and dislocation. During a 24-month period, 22 adolescents with a fracture of the distal tibial epiphysis were treated. In addition to plain film radiographs, MR images of the distal tibia were also obtained. Plain film radiographs and MR images were randomized and diagnosed by two surgeons and two radiologists. Fifteen transitional fractures were diagnosed using plain radiographs, while 17 transitional fractures could be found with MRI. Fracture type was misclassified, fracture displacement was underestimated in general, and rotational displacements were not visualized on plain film radiographs. MRI was found to provide anatomic detail and information superior to plain film radiographs.