How do you check whether a growth plate is injured?

An X-ray shows fracture lines and separation around the growth plate; further imaging is added if needed. On X-ray the growth plate itself looks like a line, so telling normal anatomy from a fracture takes experience, and we sometimes compare with the other side.

Does a growth plate injury stop a child growing?

One injured site does not determine overall height. But if growth stops at the injured area, or only one side keeps growing, it can lead to a difference in the length of that bone or an angular deformity — so we follow up until growth is complete.

How long do we need to keep monitoring?

It depends on the extent of the injury and how much growth remains. A deformity may not show right after the injury but emerge as the child grows, so we compare images at regular intervals.

Pediatric Orthopedics

Pediatric center

Growth plate injuries

Growth plate injury

성장판이 다치면 이후 길이·각도 변형으로 이어질 수 있어 추적 관찰이 필요합니다.

소아정형 질환은 성장과 함께 자연히 좋아지는 경우와, 시기를 놓치면 교정이 어려워지는 경우가 함께 있습니다. 정확한 구분이 치료의 시작입니다.

Growth plate injuries FAQ

How do you check whether a growth plate is injured?: An X-ray shows fracture lines and separation around the growth plate; further imaging is added if needed. On X-ray the growth plate itself looks like a line, so telling normal anatomy from a fracture takes experience, and we sometimes compare with the other side.
Does a growth plate injury stop a child growing?: One injured site does not determine overall height. But if growth stops at the injured area, or only one side keeps growing, it can lead to a difference in the length of that bone or an angular deformity — so we follow up until growth is complete.
How long do we need to keep monitoring?: It depends on the extent of the injury and how much growth remains. A deformity may not show right after the injury but emerge as the child grows, so we compare images at regular intervals.

Pediatric Orthopedics care pathway

Consultation and examination

We check gait, posture, the pattern of pain and the growth history.

Imaging

X-ray shows bone alignment, the growth plates and bone age, and an Exbody posture scan checks balance and body alignment.

Choosing a direction

관찰·보조기·수술 중 성장 단계에 맞는 방법을 정합니다.

Growth follow-up

치료 후에도 성장에 따른 변화를 정기적으로 확인합니다.

Booking and inquiries