What Are Growth Plates?
Understanding Growth Plates in Children: The Key to Pediatric Bone Development
Growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, are areas of growing tissue located at the ends of long bones in children and adolescents. These growth plates play a vital role in your child’s healthy development—they are responsible for bone growth and determine a child’s future height and limb length.
In children, growth plates remain soft and flexible as the bones grow. As your child matures, these plates gradually harden (a process called ossification) and eventually close when growth is complete. Monitoring the health and development of growth plates is essential for assessing your child’s bone growth, predicting final adult height, and identifying any potential growth disorders early.
Growth plate evaluation is a key part of pediatric healthcare. By assessing the status of your child’s growth plates, our specialists can provide accurate insights into bone age, predict future growth, and ensure your child is on track for healthy development.
When Is the Right Time for a Growth Plate Examination?
Recognizing When Your Child Needs a Growth Plate Exam for Healthy Development
A growth plate examination is a critical tool in monitoring your child’s bone growth and overall development. Early evaluation can help identify potential growth issues and ensure your child receives the right support for healthy growth.
When should you schedule a growth plate evaluation for your child?
- If your child is growing less than 2 inches per year
- If your child appears significantly shorter than other children of the same age
- To accurately assess your child’s remaining growth potential
- To determine if your child may benefit from growth hormone therapy or other medical interventions
Timely growth plate assessments can help parents and healthcare providers make informed decisions about a child’s health and ensure any growth concerns are addressed early.
GROWTH PLATE EVALUATION
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