Test 5

Normal physiological periosteal reaction ‘of the newborn’ is a common radiographic finding which can be seen in up to one-third of infants, usually between the ages of 1 and 4 months. The radiographic findings are typified by a ‘benign’ pattern of symmetrical periosteal reaction along the diaphyses, which does not extend to the metaphyses. The long bones are involved, i.e. the femora, tibiae, and humerii and less commonly, the radii and ulnae. There is a differential diagnosis when periosteal reaction has been identified which depends on the patient age and the clinical context in which it is identified.