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