Growth plate fracture

Diagnosis

Growth plates are challenging to read on X-rays since they haven’t solidified into bone. In order to compare the X-rays of the wounded limb with the uninjured limb, doctors may request X-rays of both.

In an X-ray, a growth plate fracture may not always be seen. Your doctor might advise a cast or splint to protect the limb if the child’s growth plate is sore. If there was a fracture, new bone healing will normally be visible on X-rays three to four weeks later.

Scans that can see soft tissue, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), or ultrasound, may be prescribed for more severe injuries.

Treatment

The degree of a growth plate fracture will determine how it is treated. Typically, the least severe fractures just need a cast or splint. Surgery might be required if the fracture goes into the joint or crosses the growth plate and is not well-aligned. Growth plates that are repositioned surgically may be more likely to recuperate and grow once more than growth plates that are left in an unfavorable position.

Determining whether a growth plate has persistent damage at the time of injury can be difficult. To ensure proper growing of the growth plate in the years following the fracture, periodic X-rays may be recommended by your doctor. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, your child may require follow-up visits until their bones have finished growing.