Can metaphyseal variations in the distal femurs and proximal tibias be distinguished from classic metaphyseal lesions?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Classic metaphyseal lesions (CMLs) are considered specific for child abuse, but the reliability of radiologists in distinguishing CMLs from metaphyseal variations is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of pediatric and adult emergency radiologists in differentiating CMLs from metaphyseal variations in the knees.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed distal femur and proximal tibia radiographs in children under 1 year of age who underwent skeletal surveys for suspected child abuse. A consensus diagnosis for CMLs and metaphyseal variations-serving as the ground truth-was established by two pediatric radiologists. The CML group comprised children diagnosed with abuse and confirmed CMLs. The metaphyseal variation group included

SUBMITTER: Karmazyn B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12708683 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature