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The growth plate is a mass of cartilage tissue that is found around the edges of the long bones such as the femur, ulna and the radius. Each of these bones has at least two growth plates at their ends and the bone development occurs around these plates.
The growth plate tends to harden or ossify at the end of the growth cycle of the child once the bones have attained their full length. These are weak soft tissue structures that can break with slight external pressure or overuse.
It is estimated that about 30% of the fractures reported during childhood or in young adults, pertain to growth plates. Being soft, this part of the bone is essentially prone to cracks or damage. It becomes imperative to treat such injuries at the earliest as they are crucial determinants of the child’s growth level.
Causes
- A fall on an outstretched hand or knee
- Vehicular accidents may have a high impact and crack the bone shaft along with the growth plate
- Collisions or direct hits to the limb
- Repeated stress to the joints and the growth plate leads to stress fracture
- Recreational activities such as biking, skateboarding, skiing, etc. may increase the risk of such fractures
- Growth plate fractures are more common in boys as compared to girls as the latter attain maturity earlier and therefore their growth plates ossify sooner
Symptoms
- Visibly deformed limb
- Pain may set in immediately after the injury and may range from severe, localized to persistent
- A feeling of warmth may spread over the skin around the injured limb
- Swelling and pain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="tenderness" data-rx-definition="Tenderness means pain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।">tenderness
- Inability to perform daily tasks
- Limited range of motion
Diagnosis
- The patient’s medical history, symptoms as well as mode and time of injury may be noted down
- X-ray imaging may be required to study the damage to the bone structure
- MRI or CT scan may be done to locate the fracture in the growth plate which is a soft tissue structure
Treatment
The treatment method adopted in each case may differ depending on the child’s age, grade of injury, location of fracture as well as overall health. These may include the following.
- Immobilization of the limb using a cast or splint to keep the bones in place while they heal
- Restricting the levels of patient’s daily activities
- Some pain killers and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed
- Open Reduction- If unstable fractures are accompanied by bone displacements, surgery may be required. During the procedure, an incision is made to reposition the bone pieces. They are then held in place using screws and pins
- The limb is secured in a cast post-surgery and physical therapy may be recommended
- Regular follow-ups may be required until the child attains maturity to keep a check on the development of the bone
