Gray-scale and Doppler ultrasound imaging features of vascular canals in human femoral condylar epiphysis.

Abstract

To describe the gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound imaging features of vascular canals in human femoral condylar epiphysis. Vascular canals in the femoral condylar epiphysis were examined using gray-scale and Doppler US. The study was performed in 45 volunteers (aged <1 month-72 years) who comprised 1 subject with short stature, 1 subject with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome and 43 subjects with normal growth. In the 8-year-old and younger group (n=34), vascular canals were observed in 32 subjects (94%), whereas vascular canals were not observed in the 9-year-old and older group (n=11). Vascular canals were visualized as hyperechoic lines and dots. With Doppler US, blood flow in the vascular canals was observed in 20 of the 32 subjects (62.5%). Spectral Doppler analysis was possible in 15 subjects, in all of whom only arterial waveforms were observed. US was helpful to delineate the vascular canals and flow therein. The detection and evaluation of vascular canals and blood flow therein may prove useful in understanding growth.