Multicentric ossification refers to normal, or variant of normal, ossification at more than one site within a single epiphysis or apophysis. It is important to be aware of common sites where multicentric ossification may occur, to avoid confusion with fracture, apophysitis and other entities.
- tibial tuberosity: may be confused for Osgood-Schlatter disease or avulsion fracture
- calcaneal tuberosity: may be confused for fracture or Sever disease
- humeral trochlea: may be confused for fracture/avulsion
- pisiform: on lateral wrist radiograph may be confused for partially calcified soft-tissue mass, fracture or foreign body
- navicular: may be confused for fracture
- base of 5th metatarsal: may be confused for fracture or apophysitis
Comparison with the contralateral side can be very useful as ossification patterns are often, but not always, symmetric.