Understanding Growth Plate Injuries in Children: Causes, Diagnosis & Recovery By Dr. Kashyap Solanki | Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mumbai

Children’s bones aren’t just smaller versions of adult bones — they’re actively growing and changing. The areas responsible for this growth are called growth plates, and injuries to them require special care to ensure bones heal properly and continue growing straight.

What Are Growth Plates?

Growth plates (also called physes) are soft cartilage zones located near the ends of long bones — such as the femur, tibia, radius, and humerus.They are the last parts of bones to harden, making them more vulnerable to injury. Once growth plates close (around late teens), bones no longer grow in length.

Common Causes of Growth Plate Injuries

Growth plate injuries are often seen in active children and teenagers, especially those involved in sports.Common causes include:

• 🏃‍♂️ Sports injuries (football, gymnastics, basketball)

• 🤸 Falls or sudden twisting accidents

• 🚴 Road traffic accidents

• ⚽ Overuse injuries from repetitive stress (seen in throwing or running sports)

Boys are more likely to sustain these injuries since their growth plates remain open longer.

Types of Growth Plate Injuries (Salter-Harris Classification)

Orthopaedic surgeons categorize these fractures into five types based on the Salter-Harris system:

1. Type I: Clean separation through the growth plate (usually heals well)

2. Type II: Fracture through growth plate and metaphysis (most common type)

3. Type III: Fracture through growth plate and epiphysis (affects joint surface)

4. Type IV: Fracture through the metaphysis, growth plate, and epiphysis (risk of growth disturbance)

5. Type V: Compression injury to growth plate (most severe, may cause growth arrest)

Symptoms to Watch For

Parents should look for:

• Pain or tenderness near a joint (knee, wrist, ankle)

• Swelling and bruising

• Difficulty bearing weight or moving the limb

• Visible deformity after a fall or injury

Even mild-looking injuries near joints should be examined — growth plate damage is sometimes missed on X-rays initially.

Diagnosis

A thorough clinical examination combined with X-rays is the first step. In complex cases, MRI or CT scans may be needed to visualize subtle growth plate disruptions.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment depends on the fracture type and displacement:

• Type I–II injuries: Usually treated with plaster or splint immobilization

• Type III–IV injuries: May need surgical fixation (using pins or screws) to ensure precise alignment

• Type V injuries: Often managed with careful monitoring for growth disturbances

Most children recover fully if treated promptly. Regular follow-up X-rays are essential to track bone growth and detect any deformity early.

Potential Complications if Untreated

If growth plate injuries are ignored or improperly treated, they can lead to:

• Uneven limb length (shortening)

• Angular deformities

• Joint incongruity or arthritis in later life

Prevention Tips

• Encourage proper warm-ups before sports

• Use protective gear (knee pads, wrist guards)

• Avoid overtraining and ensure adequate rest

• Promote supervised play in younger children

Takeaway

Growth plate injuries require expert attention. Early diagnosis and treatment ensure your child’s bones continue to grow straight and strong.If your child suffers a joint or limb injury, consult a paediatric orthopaedic specialist immediately for proper evaluation.

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About Dr. Kashyap Prabhu Solanki & Dr. Prabhu Solanki

Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri, Mumbai

Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.

With over four decades of distinguished orthopaedic practice, Dr. Prabhu Solanki stands as one of Mumbai’s most experienced and respected orthopaedic surgeons. Having treated more than 40,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, his clinical outcomes and dedication have earned him widespread recognition — not just in Mumbai, but across India and abroad.

Dr. Solanki’s reputation for precision, ethical care, and long-term results has brought him patients from all over India, as well as international patients seeking high-quality orthopaedic treatment and surgical expertise in Mumbai.

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