Patient Information Resources


Sterling Ridge Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
6767 Lake Woodlands Drive, Suite F, The Woodlands, TX 77382
20639 Kuykendahl Road, Suite 200, Spring, TX 77379
The Woodlands & Spring, TX .
Ph: 281-364-1122 832-698-011
stacy@srosm.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
Fractures
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Have you ever heard of a growth plate coming apart? My 12-year old daughter had an MRI for a back injury. The results showed separation of the growth plate where she hurt herself. What could be causing this?

The growth plate is made up of growing bone and a cap of cartilage at the end. When the bone stops growing, the cartilage ossifies or becomes the end of the bone. At maturity when the bones stop growing, the growth plate disappears.

Growth plate separation can occur with traumatic injury or from a condition called spondylolisthesis. This term describes when one vertebra slips forward on the one below it. This usually occurs when there is a crack or tiny fracture in the supporting structure of the vertebra on top.

Research shows that extraordinary stress can break a weak growth plate. The cartilage separates from the bone allowing the bone to slip forward. It's possible the damage occurred during the injury.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.