The epiphyseal plate or line
is the tiny space toward the end of the bones in children. Calcium
deposits are deposited into this space, which then turn into bone and that
is how the bone grows in length. Once children are fully grown, the
epiphyseal plate is closed in and the bone becomes one solid piece.
If a fracture occurs in a
child at the location of the epiphyseal plate, before the it has closed,
it can cause the bone growth to stop or be impaired. An epiphyseal
fracture is important to identify as soon as it occurs, in order to treat
immediately. Treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture,
but will focus on re-aligning the ends of the bone and maintaining that
position. Often, with children, the physician will externally manipulate
the bone back into the proper position and apply a cast. Occasionally,
surgery or traction is necessary to re-align the bones.
