Understanding Growth Plate Injuries

If your child is ever treated for an injury, their doctor may raise concerns about your child’s growth plates. Children and teens have patches of growing tissue (a rubbery cartilage) near the ends of the long bones in their arms, hands, legs and feet. Some of these growth plates determine how long a child’s bones will be once their bodies mature. Most growth plates have hardened into solid bone at around age 14 to 15 for girls and 16 to 17 for boys. Because growth plates are softer and weaker than bone, they are vulnerable to injury. Any damage to these areas before the growth plates harden can permanently affect a child’s growth or lead to deformities in the shape of the bones.

The most typical areas for growth plate injuries are the elbows, wrists, fingers, knees and ankles. These injuries can be caused by falls, collisions and overuse. Overuse injuries tend to happen to kids who play competitive sports — and especially those who play one sport year-round, rather than those who switch sports each season.

Symptoms of a growth plate injury include pain or tenderness at the injury site, especially when direct pressure is applied. There may be swelling, bruising, redness or warmth — plus loss of movement or strength. Doctors diagnose growth plate injuries through physical exams combined with imaging such as X-rays. Treatment may involve stabilizing the bone with a splint or a cast, or perhaps surgery.

Prevention is key. Be sure your child is in proper condition for their sport, uses the right gear, and warms up and cools down. Kids should never ‘play through the pain.’

When injuries happen, it’s important to get pediatric specialty care to prevent problems with bone growth as your child or teen develops. Learn about Seattle Children’s Sports Medicine Program, with several locations that treat children, teens and young adults for sports-related injuries, including the Orthopedic Injury Urgent Care option.