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What is growth plate fracture?
26 January 2026
This occurs when the softer and weaker tissues located in the bony structures of a minor suffer a break, usually in the upper and lower limbs and in the digital areas of the hands.
Growth plates, being the bony structures that take the longest time to become rigid in infants, are susceptible to fracture as a result of falls or blows, whether from accidents, recreational activities, competitive sports, or stress.
It is important to understand that the growth plate defines the shape and length that the bone will have once it develops. Therefore, this type of fracture requires immediate medical attention, as otherwise, it could affect the way the bone develops.
Growth plate fractures occur more regularly in boys than in girls, mainly because girls develop earlier than boys, so their cartilaginous growth structures have already converted into solid bone at younger ages.
Signs and symptoms Growth Plate Fracture
- Persistent limp.
- Constant pain.
- Visible deformity.
- Swelling near a joint.
- Inability to move the affected limb.
- Increased intensity of pain when pressure is applied to the affected area.
- Problems with range of motion.
If a growth plate fracture is treated promptly, it usually heals without a problem. However, there are a series of conditions that may increase the probability of bone deformities or developmental alterations, such as:
- The younger the child, the greater the risk of deformity.
- Severity of the injury.
- Location of the fracture. For example, if it appears in the leg, it can cause differences in length and symmetry.
Diagnosis and treatment Growth Plate Fracture
In addition to analyzing the symptoms and clinical history, the pediatrician will perform a physical examination to help confirm the diagnosis.
They may also perform tests on your child, such as:
- X-rays
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan
If the fracture is minor, meaning the fractured bone fragments are not significantly displaced, it is usually immobilized with a cast or a splint.
In more severe cases, a surgical procedure will be required, with the respective immobilization of the limb using a cast after the surgery.
Once the bone heals, the pediatrician will establish a physical activity program so your child can regain strength and mobility in the affected area.
Because it is difficult to assess whether the growth plate suffered permanent damage, the doctor may request continuous X-rays after the fracture to ensure the growth plate is developing properly.
At the Pediatric Center, we provide specialized care to young patients from the moment of their birth until they become adults, through our services in pediatric care, oncology, neurology, and cardiology, on par with the best medical centers in the world.
Related centers and departments Growth Plate Fracture
Sources:
- hopkinsallchildrens.org
- shrinerschildrens.org
- kidshealth.org
- cincinnatichildrens.org
- traumatologiayortopediapediatrica.com
- wnyurology.com
- topdoctors.es
- msdmanuals.com
- mayoclinic.org
- medigraphic.com
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The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
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