Growth Plate Fracture Specialist

What causes growth plate fractures?

During growth, your child has softer tissue growing near the ends of their bones. These areas, known as growth plates, are the most delicate and weak sections of your child’s skeleton and thus, are prone to injury. Some of the most common causes of growth plate injuries include:

• Trips and falls
• Automobile accidents
• Competitive sports and overuse
• Recreational activity injuries, such as falling off a bike

Growth plate fractures are twice as likely in boys than in girls. That’s because girls complete their growth spurt sooner than boys. Because of this, girls’ bones are matured, and soft tissue is often replaced with solid bone, as early as age 12.

Are there symptoms of growth plate fractures?

Yes. Growth plate fractures most commonly affect the thigh bone (femur), lower leg bones (tibia and fibula), outer forearm bone (radius), and ankle, to name a few. Depending on the severity and location of your child’s growth plate injury, they may experience any of the following issues:

• Inability to bear weight or put pressure on a limb 
• Pain, soreness, or tenderness to the touch
• Limited range of motion in a joint
• Warmth or swelling near a joint

Because growth plate injuries can affect your child’s development, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms and come to the office at the first sign of an injury. 

How are growth plate injuries treated?

The Doctors usually need to gather on-site imaging, such as an X-ray, although he specializes in minimal radiation exposure for children and adolescents. Once the Doctors diagnose your child’s growth plate injury, he can talk with you about treatment options, which may include:

• Manual manipulation to restore the affected bone to its correct position
• Casting or splinting to immobilize the injured bone as it heals 
• Waiting and watching with routine X-ray images
• Surgery to realign and repair the damaged bone

Our providers are compassionate pediatric orthopedists who understand how overwhelming and painful growth plate injuries can be. They spend time talking with you and your child to ensure you have the education you need to make informed decisions throughout the entire rehabilitation process.

If your child suffered from a growth plate injury, contact the office right away. You can conveniently schedule an appointment either online or over the phone.