Bipartite patella almost always
affects the upper outer pole of
patella; 57% are bilateral

Nutrient channels or canals run
diagonally only in the cortices of
certain bones

Radial spur is normal variant
occurring on the lateral aspect of the radius at the site of the physis

The apophysis of the tibial tubercle
(tuberosity) fuses at age 14-18 years

Most commonly affects antero-
superior border of single vertebra
in lumbar spine

This is a normal bony
excrescence from the scaphoid that can be mistaken for a fracture

Sesamoids are ossicles embedded in a tendon that aid in movement; they are common in the feet and hands

Air beneath lacerations may superimpose
on the bone simulating fractures; look at multiple projections

The greater and lesser trochanters
are apophyses which fuse at 15-20
years of age

Hyoid Bone fuse later in life
usually by age 40; it is therefore
common to see and unfused hyoid

"Mach Lines" are optical illusions which produce a black line where none exists; they are common at the base of the dens

In a child, when in doubt, think of obtaining the opposite side for comparison; mouse-over

 

Synchondroses

 

Costovertebral Junction

Accessory Ossicle

3 main temporary joints in pelvis: ilio-pubic, ischio-pubic and ilio-ischial; bilateral and usually symmetric

Every rib attaches to the spine at the
costo-vertebral junction; not to be
confused with a fracture

Os Acetabuli Marginalis Superior
Normal variant
May be bilateral

 

Multiple Ossification Centers

 

The calcaneal apophysis frequently has multiple centers of ossification and appears denser than rest of calcaneous

There are almost always sesamoids of the thumb; they are well-corticated and smooth-edged, unlike fractures

Os Trigonum-accessory ossicle just posterior to the talus normally found in 5-15% of people