Growth plate injuries

As your child grows, their growth plates define shape and length of their bones. These growth plates are located near the ends of their bones and are made of cartilage, so are softer and less mature than the rest of the bone and more easily broken. Growth plates are vital to the healthy growth of your child’s musculoskeletal system so any fractures or injuries need urgent and expert treatment.

What happens when a growth plate is fractured or injured?

Your child should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible after their injury. Their bones heal very quickly and a delay in treatment could have long-term effects with your child’s injured limb becoming permanently crooked or unequal to their opposite limb.

How are growth plate injuries and fractures diagnosed?

You can make a first diagnosis by simply looking at how tender the area around your child’s growth plate is.

Your consultant will thoroughly examine your child and talk with them to understand where any pain is located. They may well order an X-ray to confirm a diagnosis and help to classify the type of fracture involved. Although your child’s growth plates are not visible on X-rays, your consultant will still be able to check for signs of fracture, potentially by comparing an X-ray of your child’s injured limb with its opposite to see where the differences lie.

Other imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, can help them to see the damage to soft tissues and any other injuries in the area. This will help them advise on the best course of treatment for your child. 

Growth plate treatment and surgery

If the fracture is clean, your consultant may suggest a simple cast. This keeps your child’s limb steady and gives it a chance to heal on its own. 

If the bone has splintered, surgery may be the best way forward. A surgeon will put bone fragments back in their original place (known as a reduction) and can fix them internally with metal implants. They might also attach a metal brace to the outside of your child’s bone to keep it stable, although this will be removed once it is healed. Your consultant will be able to discuss your options and help to find the best approach.

After surgery, your child will have regular check-ups with their consultant over the following year to ensure that their bones are growing in the right way. Chemistry is important: you need to pick a surgeon that your child feels comfortable with.