What happens if you break your growth plate in your hand?
Growth plate fractures often need immediate treatment because they can affect how the bone will grow. An improperly treated growth plate fracture could result in a fractured bone ending up more crooked or shorter than its opposite limb. With proper treatment, most growth plate fractures heal without complications.
Is a fractured growth plate serious?
Because the growth plate helps determine the future length and shape of the mature bone, this type of fracture usually requires prompt attention. If not treated properly, it could result in a limb that is crooked or unequal in length when compared to its opposite limb. Fortunately, serious problems are rare.
How long does it take a fractured growth plate to heal?
Growth plate fracture healing time varies based on the type and location of the fracture. Typically, it takes several weeks for a growth plate to fully heal. Your orthopedic physician or physical therapist will likely recommend special physical therapy exercises and stretches to promote further healing.
Does a growth plate fracture require surgery?
The fracture must be closely monitored after it’s healed to make sure the bone continues to grow normally. Some growth plate fractures require surgery to ensure the growth plate is optimally aligned for normal growth of that bone. The surgery is called open reduction and internal fixation.
Do Broken fingers get a cast?
Nonsurgical Treatment Your doctor will put your broken bone back into place, usually without surgery. You will get a splint or cast to hold your finger straight and protect it from further injury while it heals. Sometimes your doctor may splint the fingers next to the fractured one to provide additional support.
How do you treat a fractured growth plate?
What Are Growth Plate Fractures Treated? Often, a growth plate fracture may be mild and need only rest and a cast or splint. But if bones are out of place (or displaced), they have to be put back into the right position with a procedure called a reduction. A reduction is also called “setting the bone.”
What injuries can stunt growth?
How growth plates get damaged. Trauma such as a fall or collision: About 30% of growth plate injuries are from playing contact sports, such as football, soccer and basketball, Dr. Ballock says. Another 20% are due to recreational activities, such as skateboarding and skiing.
At what age growth plates close?
Near the end of puberty, hormonal changes cause the growth plates to harden or “close” and the lengthening of bones to stop ( 9 ). Growth plates close around age 16 in women and somewhere between ages 14 and 19 in men ( 10 ).
Where does a growth plate fracture occur in the arm?
Type IV fracture: This affects the growth plate, the end of the bone, and a portion of the bone shaft. These fractures are most common in the upper arm bone near the elbow. Type V fracture: This fracture occurs when the growth plate is squeezed together and the end of the bone is crushed.
When does a child have a bone fracture at the growth plate?
When a child has a bone fracture at the growth plate, it is of extra concern when deciding how to treat the broken bone. The growth plates at the ends of the long bones are where new bone is added as children grow.
How is a type 1 growth plate fracture treated?
Often, x-rays of a child with a type 1 growth plate fracture will appear normal. Healing of type 1 fractures tend to be rapid and complications are rare. Most type 1 growth plate injuries are treated with a cast.
Is the growth plate in the hand at risk?
The growth plates in the hand and wrist are at risk of injury and fracture because the cartilage located in these areas is weaker than surrounding ligaments.