The growth plates are the areas near each end of the long bones in
children and adolescents where bone growth occurs. Also known as the epiphyseal
plate or physis, this developing tissue determines how long and wide the bone
will be when fully grown.
During late adolescence, when growth stops, the growth plates close
and are replaced by solid bone. Until then, the growth plate is relatively weak
and vulnerable to injury. An injury that would cause a sprain in an adult can
cause a growth plate injury in a child.
Proper treatment of an injury to a growth plate is essential to
ensure normal bone growth.