Growth plate fractures

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration of a growth-plate fracture Growth-plate fracture

Most growth plate fractures occur in bones of the:

  • Fingers
  • Forearms, at the wrist
  • Lower leg

Signs and symptoms of a growth plate fracture may include:

  • Severe pain that doesn't go away
  • An inability to move the affected area
  • An inability to put weight or pressure on the area

When to see a doctor
If you suspect a fracture — particularly if pain interferes with moving or putting pressure on a limb — take your child to be examined by a doctor. Additionally, have your child evaluated if you notice a visible malformation in your child's arms or legs, or if your child is having trouble playing sports because of persistent pain.

Causes Definition
References
  1. Mathison DJ, et al. General principles of fracture management: Fracture patterns and description in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  2. Geiderman JM, et al. Fractures. In: Marx JA, et al., eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00046-3--s0020&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&sid=1046559067&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00046-3--s0055&uniqId=216942841-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00046-3--s0055. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  3. Moeller JL, et al. Orthopedics. In: Rakel RE. Rakel: Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/216942841-3/1046540165/1481/496.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50044-0--cesec4_2535. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  4. Questions and answers about growth plate injuries. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/growth_plate/growth.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  5. Growth plate fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=244&topcategory=Children. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  6. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 1, 2010.
DS00816 Oct. 21, 2010

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