Growth Plate Fracture of the Wrist
Description
This is a break through the growth plate of the radius at the wrist — the cartilage layer near the end of the bone where growth happens. These are common, since the growth plate is a natural soft spot, and they usually follow a fall onto an outstretched hand. Most are the milder types (Salter-Harris I or II).
How it happens (the mechanism)
A growth plate is made of cartilage, which is mechanically weaker than the solid bone above it and the ligaments around the joint. So when a fall loads the wrist, the force tends to fail through or along the growth plate rather than tearing a ligament or breaking the harder bone. The common wrist patterns (Salter-Harris I and II) pass through the plate and a bit of the adjacent bone, and very rarely disturb future growth.
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, and tenderness right at the wrist, sometimes with a visible bend, and reluctance to use the hand.
Doctor examination and imaging
The doctor localizes tenderness to the growth-plate level and checks the hand’s feeling and circulation. X-rays show the fracture; because a growth plate is involved, a follow-up X-ray down the line is sometimes recommended to confirm normal growth.
Treatment
A cast holds the wrist while it heals, usually about four weeks. If the bone is shifted, it is gently set back into place first — promptly, because growth plates heal quickly and are best aligned before that fast healing begins.
Recovery and long-term outlook
These heal quickly, and the common types rarely cause any growth problem. A follow-up X-ray is a precaution, not a sign of trouble.
When to call the doctor
Call the office right away if your child’s fingers become numb, pale, blue, or cold; pain keeps worsening even after raising the arm and giving medicine; swelling does not improve with elevation; the cast feels too tight, cracked, or wet, or smells bad; or your child develops a fever.
Learn more
OrthoInfo (AAOS) — Growth Plate Fractures: orthoinfo.aaos.org
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific concerns about your child, consult a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.