Apophyses and physeal equivalents in the pediatric pelvis

Abstract

Injuries to pediatric athletes are becoming increasingly common as children compete in more physically demanding sports. These athletic injuries may be acute or as the result of chronic overuse. Acute trauma may lead to damage to tendons, ligaments, and muscles, as well as their bony attachment sites. Infections such as osteomyelitis must also be considered in the differential of pediatric patients presenting with hip or groin pain. This review will discuss the normal muscular attachments to hip physes and physeal equivalents, as well as common injuries and their management. These findings are important to help with the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric patients who present with hip pain.