Growth Plate Injuries

Children's bones are still developing, which makes them vulnerable to certain types of injuries that adults don’t have to worry about, such as a growth plate injury. At his offices in Beverly Hills and the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, orthopedic surgeon Robert H. Cho, MD, offers top care for growth plate injuries. If your child has endured an accident or injury, talking to Dr. Cho for prompt diagnosis and proper treatment can help protect their future growth and development. Book your consultation by calling the nearest office or scheduling online today.

What are growth plate injuries? 

Your child’s growth plates are areas of soft cartilage toward the ends of their long bones. They determine the bone’s shape and length. As your child matures, the growth plates will gradually harden into solid bone.

These plates are softer and weaker than the surrounding bone and ligaments, so they’re more susceptible to injury. Growth plate injuries often occur during:

• Sports
• Playground activities
• Falls
• Other accidents

They typically occur in the wrists, fingers, ankles, legs, and arms. Since growth plates are crucial in your child’s skeletal development, Dr. Cho should evaluate any injuries affecting these areas.

What symptoms indicate growth plate injuries? 

Common signs include:

• Pain near a joint or at the end of a bone
• Swelling and tenderness
• Difficulty moving the affected limb
• Limping or inability to bear weight
• Visible deformity in more severe cases
• Persistent pain following a fall or sports injury

Some symptoms may appear similar to a sprain. However, because untreated growth plate damage can affect future bone growth, it’s important to seek medical evaluation if your child experiences ongoing pain or swelling after an injury.

Dr. Cho can use X-rays or other imaging studies to determine whether the growth plate has been affected.

Can growth plate injuries be addressed? 

Yes. Successful treatment of most growth plate injuries is possible, especially when diagnosed early.

Mild injuries may only require immobilization with a cast, splint, or brace to allow the growth plate to heal properly. More significant injuries, particularly those involving displaced fractures, may require a procedure to realign the bone. 

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore proper alignment and protect their future growth. Dr. Cho promotes healing while minimizing the risk of growth disturbances or bone deformities.

What can my child expect as they heal from growth plate injuries? 

Once Dr. Cho develops a treatment plan, your child may need to limit certain activities while the injury heals, and attending follow-up appointments is essential. Dr. Cho monitors the healing process to ensure the growth plate continues to function normally.

With proper care, most children recover well from growth plate injuries and return to sports, school, and other activities. 

If you're worried your child may have a growth plate injury, get peace of mind by calling the nearest office of Robert H. Cho today or booking a consultation online today.