Growth plates are the supple regions of bones in children where growth and development takes place, according to the Mayo Clinic. Growth plates sit at each bone ending. They are delicate and vulnerable to fracture, especially when children and adolescents take part in sports or recreational endeavors. Some growth plates expand in size more than others, such as the ones around the knees, making them more prone to injuries. Osgood-Schlatter disease is one of the most widespread knee problems in children.
Risks
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD) say boys suffer from growth plate fractures in the knees and elsewhere twice as often as do girls. That's because boys' bodies are slower to mature than girls and sturdy bones replace the more flimsy growth plates later in the developmental process. Knee growth plate fractures most frequently occur in children between the ages of 10 and 16.
Causes
According to the NIAMSD, more than 30 percent of growth plate injuries happen while children are taking part in sporting activities, such as gymnastics, basketball or football. Some 20 percent of growth plate mishaps happen while bicycling, skateboarding, sledding or skiing. Growth plate fractures can also result from a car accident, ongoing stress, a fall or simple overuse.
The NIAMSD says bone fracture is the second most common injury among children who are victims of abuse. Due to its fragility, the growth plate is the most commonly injured part of the bone in physical abuse cases.
Osgood-Schallter Disease
Osgood-Schallter disease most frequently occurs in boys who play sports that involve continuous running or jumping. The condition may result in pain and swelling right below one both knees. Osgood-Schlatter disease typically heals on its own, although it can take several weeks.
Diagnosis
Growth plates are challenging to evaluate on x-rays because they have yet to become hardened bone. Doctors may x-ray the fractured limb and the uninjured matching appendage to assess the differences between the two as a means of evaluating a fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) may be used in diagnosing knee growth plate fractures because these devices can identify soft tissue.
Treatment
Knee growth plate injuries should be treated right away, because they can impact the manner in which future bone will grow. Treatment methods vary depending on the seriousness of the fracture. A cast or splint may be needed for mild or moderate fractures. More acute injuries,such as when a portion of a bone ending has detached from the bone shaft, will typically require surgery.
Complications
The NIAMSD says growth plate injuries at the knee are most at risk of developing complications. This is because nerve and blood vessel damage most often takes place at the knee growth plate. Knee injuries have a considerably higher likelihood of blocking growth and uneven growth than other growth plates.
