Abstract
MRI is an excellent modality for the imaging of disorders of the pediatric musculoskeletal system. The knee is the joint which is most commonly imaged by MRI in children. A wide spectrum of conditions may result in osteochondral lesions of the knee in children, including trauma, inflammatory disorders, hematological conditions, osteonecrosis, infection and tumors. These diseases all require early diagnosis and tailormade therapy to prevent life-long disability in affected children. The differential diagnosis is wide and may be challenging, especially since variants of the ossifying process of the knee may mimick osteochondral lesions and should not be mistaken for pathological processes.