Growth plate fractures

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Fifteen percent of all childhood fractures involve a growth plate. Most growth plate fractures are caused by a fall or a blow to the limb, as might occur in a car accident. Injuries also can be caused by overuse, which can occur during sports training.

Competitive sports, such as football, basketball, running, dancing or gymnastics, are responsible for about one-third of growth plate injuries. Another 20 percent happen during recreational activities, such as biking, sledding, skiing or skateboarding.

References
  1. Growth Plate Fractures, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, accessed 7/31/08, http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=244&topcategory=Children
  2. Questions and Answers About Growth Plate Injuries, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, accessed 7/31/08, http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/growth_plate/growth.htm
  3. Kay, BK-B, Chapter 42 - Orthopedics, Children's Dislocations and Fractures, In: Doherty GM, CURRENT Surgical Diagnosis & Treatment, 12th Edition, 2006, The McGraw Hill Company, accessed 7/21/08, http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=23
  4. Green NE, Chapter 8 - Fractures of the Forearm, Wrist and Hand: Management of Specific Injuries: Growth Plate Injuries To The Distal Radius and Ulna. In: Skeletal Trauma in Children, 3rd ed., 2003, Saunders, accessed on 7/23/08 through MDConsult, http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/100201301-4/728371990/1219/127.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-9294-X..50013-2--cesec62_310

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Oct. 21, 2008

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