Growth plate fracture
In a growth plate fracture, the growing tissue at the end of children's long bones is damaged Growth plates are the softest and weakest part of the skeleton They are sometimes even weaker than the surrounding ligaments and tendons An injury that causes a sprained joint in an adult can cause a growth plate fracture in a child.
Growth plate fractures require immediate treatment because they cause bone growth An improperly treated growth plate fracture can lead to the development of a broken bone that is more bent or shorter than the other leg bone. With proper treatment, a growth plate fracture heals without complications
A growth plate fracture is often caused by a fall or trauma to the limb These situations include:
- Car accident
- Sports such as football, basketball, running, dancing and gymnastics
- Recreational activities such as cycling, ice skating, skiing and skateboarding
In rare cases, growth plate fractures can be caused by overuse during sports training and repetitive shooting.
Most growth plate fractures occur in the bones of the fingers, forearm, and lower leg. Signs and symptoms of a bone plate fracture include:
- Pain and increased sensitivity, especially in response to pressure on the growth plate
- Inability to ambulate and put weight and pressure on the injured limb
- Heart and numbness at the end of the bone near the joint
Also consult a doctor if you notice any deformities in the child's arms or legs and if the child has difficulty playing sports due to prolonged pain.
A growth plate fracture can be confused with a sprain, however, the fracture usually causes longer swelling and pain.
