Growth Plate Injuries in Teens

Growth Plate Injuries in Teens: What every parent should know

Growth plate injuries can be the worst of both worlds for parents of teens and pre-teens: they occur in very vulnerable locations in both arms and legs, and even minor injuries can cause long-term complications.
Growth plates sit at the ends of long bones including the femur and tibia in the leg and the radius in the arm. These plates, which allow bones to lengthen and reshape during growth, are made of cartilage, and they can affect how bones grow and develop. Injuries to these plates typically occur in the soft tissue near the ends of bones—areas that are still developing and are more vulnerable than surrounding ligaments and tendons.
What injuries are most likely?
Children whose growth plates have not yet fused are at increased risk for potential injuries of all kinds, particularly:
• Trauma: Falls, collisions, or accidents can cause fractures.
• Overuse: Repetitive stress from sports like gymnastics, baseball, or basketball can lead to chronic injuries.
• Early Specialization: Focusing on one sport too early increases risk due to repetitive strain.
Who’s most at risk of growth plate injuries
Growth plates eventually harden into bone as we age, so injuries to this area are most common among active athletes under the age of 18. Because girls’ bones mature earlier, their growth plates typically fuse by age 16.
Injuries to growth plates happen most frequently in children and teens who participate in football, basketball, gymnastics, and skateboarding. Injuries can also result from repetitive stress or overuse from specializing in one sport too early.
Why growth plate injuries are serious
Injured growth plates can disrupt bone growth—and, if left untreated, injured bones may grow unevenly, leading to deformities or differences in limb length. Severe fractures (especially those that crush or shift the growth plate) can cause permanent damage as well as long-term issues like crooked or shortened limbs.
It’s important to know that growth plate injuries in young children can have a bigger impact over time. In addition, injuries that occur near the knee are more likely to cause complications than those near the wrist or shoulder.
Red flags that may indicate growth plate injuries
Because early treatment is such an important part of long-term recovery, it’s important to watch for possible signs of growth plate injuries like these:
• Pain near joints, especially during movement or pressure
• Swelling, tenderness, or warmth around the area
• Difficulty using or bearing weight on the limb
• Visible deformity or refusal to use the affected body part
Why pediatric orthopaedic care and early intervention are important
If you’re already seeing signs of potential growth plate injuries – or if your child is an active athlete under age 18 – you may want to consider a visit with a specialist at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Early intervention and preventive care can have a substantial impact on your child’s long-term health and performance.
Since 1972, these specialists have been committed to providing exceptional orthopaedic care through innovative techniques, quality services, patient communication, and education. With specialties ranging from general orthopaedics and physical therapy to sports medicine and more, the doctors at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine can provide local expert guidance to avoid injury, as well as any necessary care for any orthopaedic disorder or injury to help keep your active daughter or son in motion.