How Is a Growth Plate Fracture Treated?
When a growth plate fracture is diagnosed, the recommended treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. Minor injuries can be treated by applying a splint or a cast. Where the damage is more severe, surgery may be needed. When a fractured growth plate is diagnosed, the child will need to have follow-up visits with the doctor at regular intervals for a couple of years following the injury. The growth plate refers to the portion of a bone that is still growing. It is located at the end of the bone, and can be vulnerable to injury since it is weaker than the full-formed portions of the skeleton. If the injury is not treated properly at the time, the bone may not grow straight afterward. The bone may be shorter than the corresponding one on the other side of the body.
