Growth Plate Fractures | Symptoms & Causes
Growth plate fractures happen the way any fracture can happen, most commonly through sports or playground accidents. When the break involves a crack through the bone, it’s called a fracture. When the break in the bone goes through the growth plate, it’s called a growth plate fracture.
The Salter Harris classification system can help determine what kind of fracture your child has, but it doesn’t indicate what treatment she will need — your doctor will use imaging tests to decide how to proceed.
What are the symptoms for growth plate fractures?
The symptoms of a growth plate fracture vary depending on the degree of seriousness. Sometimes, a child may feel mild pain, and other times the injury may be more visible and urgent.
Symptoms of a mild growth plate fracture may include:
- Soreness
- Swelling
- Tenderness over a growth plate
- Pain while moving or putting pressure on a limb
Symptoms of a more extreme growth plate fracture may include:
- Open wounds that make the bone visible
- Crookedness
- Other visible deformities