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Acute and Chronic Growth Plate Injuries
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Acute and Chronic Growth Plate Injuries

Charlene Jones, Michael Wolf and Martin Herman
Pediatrics in review, v 38(3), pp 129-138
01 Mar 2017
PMID: 28250073

Abstract

Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology Pediatrics
Growth plate injuries are common fractures experienced by children, and recognizing the various types of acute and chronic physeal injuries is essential for the pediatrician. The Salter-Harris classification, the most commonly used classification for growth plate injuries, is a 5-part system based on premature growth plate closure and functional outcomes, with higher numbers correlating with increased likelihood of premature closure and poor outcome. Based primarily on consensus due to a lack of relevant clinical studies, the patient history, physical examination results, and radiologic evidence are key to establishing the correct diagnosis and appropriate management strategy for growth plate injuries to obtain the best possible outcome that minimizes growth disturbance and poor functionality. Based primarily on consensus due to lack of relevant clinical studies, chronic growth plate injuries are principally due to a combination of inflexibility, overuse, and improper technique, and the hallmark of management is rest while correcting the underlying pathophysiology. Based primarily on consensus due to lack of relevant clinical studies, patients with Salter-Harris type III or higher fractures as well as those with repeat injuries, injuries due to high-energy mechanisms, unstable fractures, or chronic physeal injuries require referral to a specialist for prompt evaluation to determine the need for surgical management.

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Web of Science research areas
Pediatrics
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