Scurvy is a rare disease in developed nations. In the field of pediatrics, it primarily is seen in children with developmental and behavioral issues, malabsorptive processes, or diseases involving dysphagia. We present the case of an otherwise developmentally appropriate 4-year-old boy who developed scurvy after gradual self-restriction of his diet. He initially presented with a limp and a rash and was subsequently found to have anemia and hematuria. A serum vitamin C level was undetectable, and after review of the MRI of his lower extremities, the clinical findings supported a diagnosis of scurvy. Although scurvy is rare in developed nations, this diagnosis should be considered in a patient with the clinical constellation of lower-extremity pain or arthralgias, a nonblanching rash, easy bleeding or bruising, fatigue, and anemia. This case highlights the importance of carefully assessing a child’s dietary and developmental status at well-child visits, which can help avoid a more invasive workup.

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The universal goals of upper limb fracture management are to restore anatomic alignment, establish stable fracture fixation (while preserving blood supply), and allow for early mobilization of the elbow, wrist, and digits. However, the indications for operative management and fixation constructs are specific to each fracture type. This article systematically reviews current classifications and treatment options for adult fractures of the distal humerus, radius, ulna, scaphoid, metacarpals, and phalanges. For each anatomic location, we discuss the salient imaging features to guide management decisions (conservative versus internal and/or external fixation). Specifically, we emphasize the amount of displacement, angulation, comminution, and/or intra-articular involvement typically guiding operative management for each fracture type. Through this understanding of the surgical indications, rationale behind different fixation options, and common complications, the radiologist can better support the orthopaedic surgeon via more informed fracture reporting.

Various pathologic conditions extending from the lumbar and pelvic regions to the lower leg may manifest as foot drop, or weakness of ankle dorsiflexion. Potential causes of foot drop include L5 radiculopathy, lumbosacral plexopathy, sciatic neuropathy, and peroneal neuropathy. Although the first-line test in lesion localization is most commonly electrodiagnostic testing, MR neurography has emerged as a useful tool to verify lesion site, to accurately characterize the cause of the neuropathy, and to guide patient treatment. MR neurography, when tailored and focused, can help overcome potential pitfalls in clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation and is commonly performed in the authors' practice. MR neurography studies are protocoled in advance after careful review of clinical notes and electrodiagnostic findings and often after discussion with the referring clinician. Radiologists who interpret MR neurography studies should have a sound understanding not only of peripheral nerve anatomy and common pathologic conditions, but also of the clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation performed in patients with foot drop. In this way, the radiologist can actively guide the referring clinician in ordering the most appropriate imaging examination, efficiently reaching the correct diagnosis, and deciding appropriate treatment.

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in primary repair of proximal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in preoperative patient selection and in postoperative ligament assessment. Knowledge of the imaging factors that make patients candidates for primary ACL repair, namely proximal tear location and good tissue quality, can help radiologists provide information that is meaningful for surgical decision making. Furthermore, an understanding of the surgical techniques can prevent misinterpretation of the postoperative MRI. This article reviews preoperative MRI characterization of ACL injuries, techniques of arthroscopic primary ACL repair surgery and examples of postoperative MRI findings.

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