"Focal periphyseal oedema zones, also known as FOPE zones, are regions of bone marrow oedema seen on MRI that are principally located at the physes about the knee. They are thought to represent potentially painful manifestations of physiologic physeal fusion 1."
"FOPE zones are seen in both sexes. They are typically seen in females around the ages of 11-12 and in males around the ages of 13-14 (around the time of expected skeletal maturation) 1."
"The exact cause of FOPE zones is unknown. A suggested aetiology relates these findings to the normal physiologic process of physeal fusion. As the physis of a long bone begins to close, osseous bridging occurs. In some bones that undergo endochondral ossification, this occurs with small bony bars before complete fusion 2,3,5. These may act as anchors to the surrounding bone and alter the local mechanics, producing small amounts of vascular damage and bleeding in physically active adolescents 1."
"Salter-Harris fractures"
Expected headings
"Distribution"
"Clinically, patients may present with pain, with or without a history of acute injury 1."