Physeal fractures, also known as growth plate fractures, occur in the developing bones of children and adolescents and can affect bone growth if not treated properly. These fractures are classified using the Salter-Harris system, which helps guide treatment and prognosis based on the fracture's location and severity.

Physeal Fracture

Physeal fractures

Growth plate fractures are injuries to the developing tissue at the ends of long bones in children and adolescents, which can affect bone growth and lead to deformities if not properly managed. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to ensure normal bone development and to minimize potential long-term complications.

Growth Plate Fractures

Developing bones

Bone growth is a complex process that involves the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of cells within the growth plates, primarily influenced by genetic, nutritional, and hormonal factors. It occurs through two main mechanisms: intramembranous ossification, which forms flat bones, and endochondral ossification, responsible for the development of long bones.

Bone Growth

Salter-Harris system

Treatment refers to the management and care of a patient to combat disease or disorder, involving various methods tailored to the individual's condition. It encompasses a wide range of strategies, from medication and surgery to therapy and lifestyle changes, with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes.

Treatment

Prognosis is an informed prediction about the likely course and outcome of a disease or medical condition, based on the knowledge of the disease, patient characteristics, and clinical data. It guides treatment decisions and helps in setting realistic expectations for patients and their families regarding recovery, progression, or potential complications.

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