Growth Plate Injuries in Children: Why Early Treatment Is Crucial
When children are growing, their bones are not just smaller versions of adult bones—they have unique structures called growth plates , or physes , that are responsible for bone development and lengthening. These areas are more vulnerable than surrounding bone and prone to injuries , especially in active children and teens. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, growth plate injuries can lead to long-term complications like limb deformities, joint misalignment , or stunted bone growth . In this article, Dr. Venkatram Thyalapalli , an expert pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Hyderabad at Rainbow Children’s Hospitals, explains the importance of recognizing and managing growth plate injuries early. What Are Growth Plates? Growth plates are areas of cartilage located near the ends of long bones in children and adolescents. They are responsible for the longitudinal growth of bones and typically close (harden into bone) once growth is complete—around age 14–16 in girls and 16–18 in b...
