Do growth plate injuries stunt growth?

Do growth plate injuries stunt growth?

Most growth plate fractures heal and do not affect future bone growth. However, sometimes changes in the growth plate from the fracture can cause problems later. For example, the bone could end up a little crooked or slightly longer or shorter than expected.

What happens if a growth plate doesn’t heal?

If a growth plate injury doesn’t heal properly, it could result in a crooked arm, a leg that is shorter than the other, or another problem that could affect mobility throughout their life.

Can ankle injuries stunt growth?

Conclusion. Ankle fractures are a common chidhood injury. Fractures that heal well-aligned and do not develop a growth disturbance should not cause any significant long-term problems such as arthritis or chronic pain.

At what point do bones stop growing?

Between 17 and 25 years, normal growth stops. The development and union of separate bone parts is complete. At this point, you and your skeleton are as tall as you are going to get – with many fewer bone parts than you started with!

How long does it take a fractured growth plate in ankle to heal?

Growth plate fractures in the ankle that occur at the end of the fibula, commonly associated with a typical ankle sprain, may not present on an X-ray. These often require about four to six weeks of recovery.

When do ankle growth plates close?

When Do Growth Plates Close? Growth plates usually close near the end of puberty. For girls, this usually is when they’re 13–15; for boys, it’s when they’re 15–17.

How do you prevent a growth plate fracture?

3 ways to prevent growth plate injuries

1. Don’t play one sport year-round. “Kids need at least three months off from their chosen sport to allow growth plate microdamage to heal,” Dr.
2. Use protective equipment.
3. Avoid risky recreational activities.

What happens if you break the growth plate in your ankle?

The most common growth plate injury at the ankle is at the end of the fibula. This type of break is similar to an ankle sprain and usually does not show up on an X-ray. Symptoms include ankle pain, tenderness and swelling over the area where the growth plate is located.

How bad is a fractured growth plate?

If the growth plate is damaged by a fracture or another injury, the bone may stop growing. This serious problem is called a growth arrest. Growth arrest can permanently stop a bone’s development and change how it functions.

What are the symptoms of a growth plate injury at the ankle?

The most common growth plate injury at the ankle is at the end of the fibula. This type of break is similar to an ankle sprain and usually does not show up on an X-ray. Symptoms include ankle pain, tenderness and swelling over the area where the growth plate is located.

Can a growth plate fracture of the ankle be prevented?

Because these fractures are frequently due to accidents during an activity, they can be difficult to prevent. The most common growth plate injury at the ankle is at the end of the fibula. This type of break is similar to an ankle sprain and usually does not show up on an X-ray.

What is a growth plate fracture?

Growth plates are areas at the end of certain bones that allow the bones to grow. A child continues to grow while the plates are “open.” A growth plate may fracture (break) due to a fall or another cause. A physical exam and X-rays are most often used to diagnose a growth plate fracture.

What is the prognosis of a tibial growth plate fracture?

Significant tibial growth plate fractures in children who are still growing require monitoring over time with X-rays. These help determine if the growth plate continued to grow despite the injury, or if as a result of the fracture, the growth plate has closed prematurely. The severity of an ankle fracture around the growth plate can vary widely.