17969 Growth Plate Fractures

Overview

A growth plate is a soft layer of cartilage near the ends of a child's bone. It helps bones grow until they fully harden in early adulthood. A growth plate fracture is a break through this soft area. Because growth plates are weaker than mature bone, they can break easily in children and teens.

Yes, growth plate fractures are quite common. They make up about 15 to 30 percent of all bone fractures in children.

Growth plate fractures only affect children and teenagers whose bones are still growing. They are most common between the ages of 10 and 15, and happen more often in boys, especially those involved in sports.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain near the end of a bone, especially when touched
• Swelling around a joint or along the bone
• Trouble moving, putting weight on, or using the injured limb
• Warmth, redness, or bruising near the injury
• A visible bend or bulge where the bone should be straight

Symptoms in children

• A child may cry and refuse to walk or use their arm after a fall
• They may not be able to explain exactly where it hurts
• They may point to the injury but not want it touched
• They may strongly resist any movement of the injured area

Symptoms in older adults

• Adults do not have growth plates, so this specific injury does not occur in older adults.
• Older adults with similar symptoms may have a different type of fracture and should see a healthcare provider promptly.

Causes

Main causes

• Falls, especially during running or playing
• Accidents during sports such as football, hockey, rugby, or gymnastics
• Motor vehicle or bicycle accidents
• Repetitive stress on a growth plate from activities like throwing or jumping

Risk factors

• Being young and still growing, especially between ages 10 and 15
• Playing contact sports
• Activities that involve falling, like skating or trampolining
• Having a condition that weakens bones — ask your doctor if you have concerns

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a healthcare provider the same day for any injury that causes pain, swelling, or trouble using the limb.
• Do not wait if the child cannot bear weight, cannot move a joint, or has severe pain.
• If any emergency symptoms are present, call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you already have a diagnosis and are scheduled for follow-up, attend all appointments so healing is checked.
• If pain returns after the cast is removed, make a routine appointment.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask how the injury happened, examine the area, and check for swelling, tenderness, and whether the child can move the limb. They will likely order an X-ray. Because growth plates are not solid bone yet, the doctor may take X-rays of both arms or both legs to compare.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray of the injured limb
• Comparison X-ray of the healthy opposite limb
• Sometimes an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if the X-ray is unclear
• Occasionally a CT scan for complex injuries

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will explain where the break is and whether the pieces of bone are lined up correctly. They may refer the child to a bone specialist (an orthopaedic doctor) if the fracture is severe or near a joint.

Treatment

The main goal is to keep the broken bone lined up correctly while the growth plate heals. Treatment is always gentle, so it does not harm the growth plate.

Self-care at home

• Rest the injured limb and keep weight off it until the doctor says it is safe
• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day for the first few days
• Elevate the injured limb on pillows to reduce swelling
• Follow all instructions for wearing a cast or splint and keep it dry

Medical treatments

Doctors usually treat growth plate fractures with a splint or cast to hold the bone steady. If the bone pieces have moved out of line, the doctor may gently reset the bone without surgery. For more serious fractures, surgery may be needed to place pins or screws to keep the bone in position. After the bone heals, these are often removed later. Always discuss treatment options with your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the fracture is open, if the bone is badly misplaced, or if a joint is involved. The doctor will explain why surgery is recommended and what to expect.

Living with this condition

While in a cast, keep it dry and clean. Use crutches or a sling exactly as directed. Help the child find comfortable positions for resting and sleeping. Attend every follow-up appointment so the doctor can check healing and remove the cast at the right time.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid sports and activities that could injure the healing bone until the doctor says they are safe
• Take extra care on stairs and slippery floors while using crutches
• Encourage quiet activities like reading, drawing, or puzzles during recovery

Diet and exercise

Encourage a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D from dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods to support bone healing. Once the cast is removed, gentle movement exercises from a physiotherapist can help restore strength and flexibility.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being in a cast or waiting to heal can make a child feel frustrated, sad, or worried about falling behind in sports or school. These feelings are normal. Reassure the child that the injury is temporary, involve them in fun indoor activities, and keep their teachers informed about any restrictions. If you or your child feel overwhelmed, talk to a healthcare provider.

Prevention

Not every accident can be prevented, but you can lower the risk. Make sure children use proper safety gear, warm up before sports, and play on safe surfaces. Encourage children to tell you about any injury right away.

Complications

If left untreated

• A growth plate fracture that is not treated properly can heal in the wrong position
• It may cause one bone to stop growing earlier, leading to one arm or leg being shorter than the other
• It can cause the bone to curve or lean to one side
• Ongoing pain or stiffness may develop

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment and regular follow-up, the vast majority of growth plate fractures heal completely. Children usually return to their normal activities within a few months. Even when growth concerns arise, early monitoring helps healthcare teams manage them successfully. Most children grow up without lasting effects.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.