Children & Growth Plate Injuries

Growth plate injuries are found in children during their developmental growth spurt phase when epiphyseal plates within the bone have not completely fused yet. Due to their high levels of activity and weakened epiphyseal plates, the constant contraction of their muscles on these areas may cause softening and even avulsion on the site.

Some conditions

• Osgood-schlatters

• Larson-Johansson Lesion

• Sever’s diseases

• Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

• Kohler’s Lesion

Symptoms of growth plate injuries include:

• Persistent pain and tenderness after a sudden or overuse injury.

• Deformity, warmth, or swell at the end of a bone.

• Changes in how the child bends their limb

• Inability to move, put pressure on, or bear weight on a limb because of pain

It is important to get a proper diagnosis by a health professional and management plan, however, below are a few treatment guidelines:

• Maintaining good range of motion within the joint to ensure that less tension will be placed on the site and decrease symptoms.

• Rest from aggravating activities such as running and jumping and strengthen surrounding muscles whilst maintaining good range of motion.