Growth plate fractures

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs

Definition

Growth plates are the softer parts of your child's bones, where growth occurs. Located at each end of a bone, growth plates are the weakest sections of the skeleton — even weaker than the surrounding ligaments and tendons. Because growth plates are so fragile, an injury that would result in a joint sprain for an adult can cause a fracture in your child.

Growth plate fractures often need immediate treatment because they can affect how the bone will grow. The fractured bone could end up being crooked, or shorter than its opposite limb. With proper treatment, however, most growth plate fractures heal without complications.

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Symptoms