What is a Growth Plate Fracture?
A growth plate fracture is a break or crack that appears in the growth plate area of a bone. These usually occur in kids and teenagers. Growth plates are the soft areas of cartilage near the ends of long bones, which later harden into solid bone while people mature. Because these areas are more vulnerable to injury, growth plate fractures require prompt diagnosis and care to avoid problems in the future.
Causes of growth plate fractures
Growth plate fractures are most often caused by:
- Sudden trauma, like a fall, car accident or injury while playing sports
- Repetitive stress or overuse, especially in young athletes
- Twisting or bending of the limb
Risk factors for growth plate fractures
Several factors can increase the risk of a child developing a growth plate fracture, including:
- Active participation in high-impact sports like football, basketball or gymnastics
- Rapid growth spurts during puberty
- Previous growth plate injuries
- Being male (boys are more likely to sustain these injuries due to longer growth periods)
Symptoms of growth plate fractures
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness near a joint or at the end of a long bone
- Swelling and bruising
- Inability to put weight on the affected limb
- Visible deformity or crooked appearance of the limb
- Limited range of motion
Diagnosing growth plate fractures
Diagnosing a growth plate fracture usually involves:
- Physical examination – Your doctor will check for tenderness, swelling or a deformity
- X-rays – To detect fractures and compare the injured and uninjured sides
- MRI or CT scan – If X-rays are inconclusive or more detail is needed
- Medical history review – Including how the injury occurred
Treatment of growth plate fractures
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture:
- Immobilization – Using a cast or splint to keep the bone in place while it heals
- Reduction – Realigning the bones if they are out of place (This can require anesthesia)
- Surgery – In more severe cases, pins or screws may be needed to hold the bone in position
- Follow-up monitoring – To ensure the bone is growing correctly over time
- Physical therapy – To restore strength, flexibility, and function after healing