Knee Growth Plate Injuries: Causes, Treatment & Recovery

Knee growth plate injuries occur only in children and adolescents, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Growth plate injuries occur as the result of a fall, twisting or direct blow to the knee. Repetitive stress on the knee also can cause a growth plate injury. Soft cartilage around the ends of bones in children and adolescents are not fully developed, which leaves them vulnerable to fracture. Treatment is necessary for a knee growth plate injury to avoid long-term complications.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your child's doctor as soon as possible. See an orthopaedic specialist within a week of the injury. A doctor will perform a physical examination to look for signs of swelling, warmth and deformity.

• 2

  Schedule testing as directed by your child's doctor. An X-ray, CT scan or MRI may be ordered to get a better view of the knee and its surrounding tissues.

• 3

  Follow your doctor's instructions. Depending upon the severity of the fracture, your child's doctor may recommend immobilization --- using a cast. For severe growth plate injuries, surgery may be required in order to align the bone.

• 4

  Attend physical therapy. Following cast removal or after surgery, your child's doctor may recommend physical therapy. Physical therapy will help to strengthen and improve flexibility in the child's knee.