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Growth Plate Fractures

By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com

Created: July 31, 2003

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Growth plate fractures are specific injuries that occur through or near a child's growth plates. Growth plate fractures are closely managed to ensure the child has adequate bone growth during and after the healing of this injury.

Growth plate fractures, or Salter-Harris fractures, occur around the growth plate (also called the physis) and can injure the growing bone cells. Following these injuries, bones may grow more slowly, normally, or even more quickly than they should.

Also Known As: Growth Plate Injury, Physis Fracture, Salter-Harris Fracture

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