Growth Plate Fractures

Understanding Knee Conditions and Available Treatments

Treating Child Growth Plate Fractures in Hoover and Birmingham, Serving Central Alabama

When a child takes a hard fall that results in a broken bone, one of the first concerns for a parent is whether the growth plate is affected. These vulnerable areas are responsible for bone growth, so they require prompt attention to reduce the risk of complications in maturing adolescents.

Southlake Orthopaedics, a multi-specialty orthopedic practice, provides comprehensive care for children with knee growth plate injuries. Serving families at locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, our care helps children return to the activities they enjoy and avoid lasting consequences. Discover more about growth plate fractures in the knee and treatments performed by our team of board-certified physicians.

Understanding Knee Growth Plate Injury

A knee growth plate injury refers to damage to the growing tissue near the ends of bones in the joint. These areas, known as growth plates, are made of cartilage and help lengthen and shape bones during childhood and adolescence. They are softer than mature bones and, therefore, more vulnerable, making them more likely to be injured in growing children. These injuries typically occur because of trauma, such as a fall, sports accident, or direct blow to the knee.

The two main bones near the knee that contain growth plates are the distal femur, the lower portion of the thigh bone, and the proximal tibia, the upper part of the shin bone. The type and severity of a growth plate injury are widely classified using the Salter-Harris system, which ranges from a simple fracture through the growth plate (Type I) to a crushing injury that can cause permanent growth damage (Type V).

Knee Growth Plate Injury Symptoms

A growth plate injury typically causes pain around the knee, especially after a fall or direct impact. The pain can be intense and persistent, particularly if a fracture is involved. Other common symptoms include:

Swelling in the knee area
Bruising or discoloration
Tenderness to the touch near the ends of the femur or tibia
Limited movement or stiffness in the knee joint
Limping or an inability to bear weight on the leg
Visible deformity or leg misalignment

Because these symptoms can resemble other types of knee injuries, it is crucial to have the joint evaluated by a healthcare professional to check for possible growth plate damage.

Diagnosing a Growth Plate Fracture

Growth plate damage can disrupt normal bone development, potentially leading to differences in limb length, joint misalignment, or deformities. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical because it helps ensure proper healing, preventing these long-term growth problems. Knee growth plate fractures are diagnosed through a combination of approaches, including:

Physical Examination

A physician will begin by asking questions regarding the injury, such as how it occurred and what symptoms the patient is experiencing. These questions help determine the likelihood of a growth plate injury and guide further evaluation and treatment.

During physical evaluation, doctors carefully assess the knee for signs of swelling, tenderness, bruising, and deformity. They may gently manipulate the knee joint or leg to determine how it functions and identify areas of pain or instability.

Imaging Scans

Since these types of injuries are often subtle, clinical evaluation alone can sometimes not be enough for a full diagnosis. Therefore, X-rays are commonly used to identify possible fractures and evaluate bone alignment, with doctors taking images of both knees for comparison. If the fracture is not easily visible, advanced imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, may be ordered.

Growth Plate Fracture Treatment Options

The main goal of treating a growth plate fracture is to ensure the bone heals correctly and that the growth plate continues to function normally, preventing potential development issues. Doctors take into consideration the type and severity of the injury when creating personalized treatment plans.

Rest and Immobilization

For mild fractures, where the bones remain in proper alignment, treatment usually involves rest and immobilization using a cast or splint to keep the knee stable and protect the growth plate as it heals.

Procedures or Surgery

If the doctor finds that bones are out of place, reduction may be necessary, which involves gently moving structures to realign the bones. This procedure is often performed under sedation or anesthesia to keep the child comfortable and calm.

In more severe cases involving unstable fractures, surgery may be the appropriate course of action. During surgical intervention, the bones are aligned and held in place using metal pins, screws, or plates to ensure stability and protect the growth plate during recovery.

After the initial treatment, follow-up care is essential for monitoring healing and making sure the bone is growing normally. Children may need to undergo rehabilitation or physical therapy to help them return to normal movement and function.

Our Team of Physicians

Patients at Southlake Orthopaedics are under the direct care of board-certified physicians who specialize in a wide range of orthopedic treatments. Our team includes:

Find Complete Care for Pediatric Growth Plate Fractures in Alabama

Children who have suffered growth plate injuries involving their knees need professional medical care right away. The board-certified knee specialists at Southlake Orthopaedics treat a wide range of orthopedic ailments in children and adults, including growth plate fractures. Serving patients at our multi-specialty facilities in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, we provide them with the care they need to achieve less pain, more living. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.