Children break bones all the time — it is estimated that half will have at least one fracture by the time they turn 18 — but some injuries are easier to treat than others.
One of the more challenging types of fractures are growth plate injuries, explains Andreia Ionescu, a Northeastern University biology professor who specializes in human skeletal development.
“Between 30% and 65% of growth plate fractures can cause some growth problems, depending on the fracture type and location,” she says, noting that 18% of all bone fractures involve the growth plate.
A vertical growth plate fracture, for example, may cause bone to form where there should be cartilage and create what is called a “bony bridge.” This could result in deformed limbs and cause a host of other problems including differences in leg lengths, joint problems and arthritis, she says.
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Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University
