Growth plate injuries account for 15 to 30 percent of all childhood fractures, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Since the bones of children have not fully developed, children and adolescents are the only baseball players that can develop a growth plate fracture. If you suspect your child has a shoulder growth plate fracture, discontinue baseball and contact your physician.
Causes
A majority of shoulder pain in baseball players is the result of overuse or tears to the shoulder muscle. However, excessive forced placed on the humeral head -- the end portion of the upper arm bone that attaches to the shoulder -- can become fractured or separated at the growth plate. Growth plates, present only in children and adolescents, are developing areas of cartilage at the end of bones. As this cartilage matures, the adult length and shape of the bone develops. Growth plates are softer and more vulnerable to fracture. A traumatic fall or excessive overuse can also cause a shoulder growth plate fracture.
Risk Factors
Children and adolescents who have not yet finished growing may sustain this injury. One-third of growth plate fractures occur in children who participate in competitive sports such as baseball. These injuries occur twice as often in boys than in girls. Growth plate shoulder injuries tend to peak in the adolescent years.
Symptoms
If your child experiences pain in the shoulder after throwing or pitching a baseball game, which is accompanied by swelling, tenderness and inability to move the arm, a growth plate fracture may be present. Your child may likely recall an instance in which he fell or hurt himself. This instance is often accompanied by extreme pain. If the fracture is severe, the limb may appear deformed.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of a growth plate fracture includes a physical examination and an X-ray. If further questions arise, your child's doctor may recommend an MRI or CT scan for a more in-depth look at the shoulder. Treatment largely depends on the severity of the fracture. Mild fractures can be treated with casting and rest. More severe fractures will require surgery to ensure proper healing and development of your child's bones. Growth plate fractures need to be cared for and watched carefully to ensure both arms and shoulders develop at an even rate.
Other Considerations
"Little League shoulder" is another common cause of shoulder pain in baseball players. Excessive use of the shoulder can lead to stress placed on the growth plate. The growth plate may then become irritated. Irritation can lead to tiny breaks in the shoulder growth plate.
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