Growth Plates Essay

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The growth plate, also known as the epiphyseal plate , is the area of growing tissue near the ends of the long bones in children and adolescents. Each long bone has at least two growth plates: one at each end. The growth plate determines the length and shape of the mature bone, when growth is complete the growth plates close and are replaced by solid bone. Because the growth plates are the weakest areas of the growing skeleton they are vulnerable to injury. Injuries to the growth plate are called fractures. During fracture healing, cartilage is often formed called callus. This cartilage ultimately develops into new bone tissue through the process of endochondral ossification. Ossification process can be studied in the long bones, such as the bones of the limbs. In an adult long bone can be distinguish grossly by a cylindrical shaft or diaphysis of compact bone. At the ends of the shaft, the epiphyses, each consisting of spongy bone covered by a thin peripheral shell of compact bone. Growth plate injuries can occur in growing children and adolescents. In a child, a serious injury to a joint is more likely to damage a growth plate than the ligaments that stabilize the joint. That would cause a sprain in an adult might cause a growth plate fracture in a child, growth plate fractures occur twice as often in boys as in girls, because girls’ bodies mature at an earlier age than boys. Girl's bones finish growing sooner, and their growth plates are replaced by stronger, solid bone. One-third of all growth plate injuries occur in competitive sports such as football, basketball, or gymnastics, while about 20 percent of growth plate fractures occur as a result of recreational activities such as biking, sledding, skiing, or skateboarding. Most growth plate fractures occur in the long bones of the fingers and

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