Appearance of the delta phalanx (longitudinally bracketed epiphysis) with MR imaging

Abstract

The delta phalanx is an unusual condition occurring in the hand or the foot that can be distinguished from a secondary ossification center on radiographic evaluation based on the well-defined phalangeal epiphyses typically evident by 24-30 months of age. MR imaging of the delta phalanx offers the advantage of visualizing sites of unossified bone before the age these findings are typically visible with radiography. We describe the case of a 15-month-old boy who presented with soft-tissue fusion of the third and fourth digits of the right hand. Radiograph and MR evaluation revealed soft-tissue intra-axial syndactyly of the third and fourth digits and a delta phalanx involving the proximal phalanx of the involved fourth digit.