The structures responsible for the growth of bones include the physis (also called growth plate) and the epiphysis. Affections involving patients with immature skeletons, i.e., with a still open growth plate, may affect the bone growth, resulting in complications such as growth arrest, limb shortening and angular deformities. Traumatic conditions, many times resulting in epiphyseal fractures, are the most frequent cause of growth plate injuries. A careful evaluation of these patients by means of currently available imaging methods, especially radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, allows an early diagnosis of the involvement of structures related to the bone growth, besides an appropriate management, reducing the probability of secondary complications.

Keywords: Growth plate, Fracture, Physeal bar, Bone bridge, Magnetic resonance imaging, Radiography, Computed tomography

Several lesions may cause metatarsalgia whose clinical manifestations may be non-specific. Magnetic resonance imaging associated with other imaging methods and clinical data frequently can contribute to detection of these lesions, allowing a reasonably precise diagnosis to be considered. Our purpose is to describe and illustrate, by means of magnetic resonance imaging, main diseases causing metatarsalgia.

Keywords: Metatarsalgia, Foot diseases, Arthropathy, Magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE: To determine the average productivity of radiologists, as measured by number of reports issued per 6-h shift, evaluating variables that could affect the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a study utilizing an online questionnaire sent to radiologists affiliated with the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging. The questions were related to the demographic profile and professional practice characteristics (form of remuneration, primary imaging method employed, and subspecialty) of the radiologists, as well as their individual productivity (average personal productivity) and the productivity considered reasonable in a 6-h shift. The association between productivity and the practice characteristics of the radiologists was determined by using Poisson regression to calculate the prevalence ratio. RESULTS: A total of 510 radiologists completed the questionnaire. The great majority of the respondents (84%) reported that their remuneration is directly related to their productivity. The productivity varied according to the subspecialty, work environment, and remuneration model. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the productivity of radiologists is associated with the characteristics of their employment. We hope that this study will encourage other studies aimed at evaluating the productive capacity of the radiologists in Brazil, addressing the various functions they perform in their daily routine, including activities other than issuing reports.

Keywords: Radiologists/standards; Efficiency; Remuneration; Reimbursement, incentive; Workload; Diagnostic imaging/statistics & numerical data.