There's nothing more exciting than watching your little one grow up, isn't there? They're growing taller and bigger day by day. Behind all this is something amazing and very important: these 'growth plates'. Today, we'll talk about what they are, how they work, and how crucial they are to the healthy development of our children.
What are Growth Plates? It's very simple!
Just like a small plant gradually grows into a big tree, our children's bones also gradually grow longer and stronger. The special place that helps these bones grow, especially in length, is called the 'Growth Plates'. These are like the 'growth zones' at the ends of bones. To be precise, these are the areas where new bone tissue grows in children and adolescents.
These growth plates are made of a special tissue called cartilage . Cartilage is like rubber, a little flexible, and smooth. Touch your nose, then touch your ear... That's what cartilage is. New bone starts out as this cartilage, and then it gradually deposits calcium and becomes strong bone.
Now let's see where these growth plates are most common. They are mainly located near the ends of the long bones in our body. Long bones are bones that are longer than they are wide. For example:
- Your thigh bone, or femur , is the longest bone in the body.
- The two bones in the lower leg are the tibia (shin bone) and fibula (shin bone) , which are located below the knee.
- The bones in the forearm, that is, the bones between the elbow and wrist, are called the Radius and Ulna .
- These growth plates are also present in the small long bones of the fingers and toes (metacarpals, metatarsals, phalanges).
Simply put, these growth plates are indispensable and essential for a child to grow taller and for his limbs to lengthen.
So what actually happens to these growth plates?
Okay, now you know what growth plates are and where they are located. Now let's see what these actually do, and how they affect our children's height.
Growth plates are a major way our bones grow. Normally, there are two growth plates in a long bone, one near the top of the bone and one near the bottom. These growth plates are what add new length to a bone, and to some extent, increase its width . Just like building floors, these growth plates lengthen the bone.
This is how it happens: Cartilage cells (chondrocytes) in the growth plate continue to divide, forming new cartilage cells. These new cartilage cells gradually mature, and then they become strong bones through calcium deposition (ossification). This process continues, which is why the child gradually increases in height. The middle part of the bone lengthens, and the shape of the ends of the bone also changes along these growth plates.
But this doesn't always happen. After a child reaches a certain age, the cartilage in these growth plates completely turns into solid bone, and they lose their 'growth potential'. That's what we call a 'closed growth plate' . To be precise, when a growth plate completely turns into solid bone, it becomes an 'epiphyseal closure'. Once a growth plate closes, that particular bone stops growing. That is, the child's height stops growing there.
You don't always grow taller... So when do these growth plates close?
Yes, we all know that we don't always grow taller. At a certain age, our height stops growing. The main reason for that is that these growth plates close.
The growth plates usually begin to close around puberty . That is, towards the end of the period of sexual maturity. This may differ slightly for girls and boys. This is mainly due to the influence of hormones.
- In girls , their growth plates usually close between the ages of 13 and 15. That's a few years after they start menstruating. The hormone estrogen affects this.
- For boys , this happens a little later, usually between the ages of 15 and 17. The hormone testosterone plays a role in this.
Important: These age limits are not the same for everyone. Some children may reach this milestone a little earlier, while others may reach it a little later. It varies from child to child. Also, factors like genetics, nutrition, and overall health can affect this. So, don't worry if your child is taller than their friends earlier or later. If in doubt, it's best to seek medical advice.
So, once these growth plates close, the bones no longer lengthen, so height growth almost completely stops. So there's no point in thinking, 'Oh, I wish I was a little taller,' because it's a natural process.
Sometimes problems arise... What problems can occur with Growth Plates?
Although the growth plates are so important for our children's growth, they can sometimes face small problems. Do you know what? The growth plate is not yet a fully solid bone. It is a place made of cartilage that is gradually becoming bone. Therefore, these growth plates are a little weaker than a fully solid bone. This means that they are more likely to be injured easily.
Think of it like a half-built house with the plaster still on. It can easily move and get damaged, right? That's what these growth plates are like. They're softer than other parts of the bone, so they can get damaged if they get hit or twisted hard.
The main problem that can occur with these growth plates is growth plate fractures .
What exactly are Growth Plate Fractures?
The name suggests it, right? A 'growth plate fracture' is a fracture that occurs in the growth plate we talked about, the cartilage area where the bone extends. It's like a bone breaking, but this happens in that specific growth plate region.
These types of fractures are most common in children:
- The bones of the finger joints (phalanges)
- The bones of the forearm (which we called (Radius) and (Ulna))
- The bones of the lower leg (Tibia) and (Fibula)
- These can also occur around the wrist and ankle.
These usually happen when children fall while playing, have an accident while playing sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, gymnastics), or receive a hard blow. Sometimes, growth plates can also be damaged by repetitive stress over a long period of time.
Good news! Most of the time, growth plate fractures heal well. If doctors make an accurate diagnosis and provide the necessary treatment (e.g., a cast, possibly surgery), they will heal without affecting future bone growth. However, in rare cases, serious fractures, especially those that pass through the growth plate, may have a small impact on future bone growth. For example, the bone may be slightly stretched or may be slightly stunted. That is why it is important to seek medical advice immediately if you suspect that a growth plate has been damaged.
Apart from that, some genetic conditions, hormonal problems, infections, certain medications (e.g. long-term steroid use), and nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin D and calcium) can also affect the function of the growth plates and bone growth. However, these are somewhat rare.
Should we be a little more careful about this? When should we see a doctor?
When a child falls, it's normal to get a minor bruise or scrape. However, sometimes it can be more than that, especially if a growth plate is damaged. In such cases, we need to be a little more careful.
If your child has any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- After an accident, you may experience unbearable pain in an arm or leg, especially around a joint or at the end of a long bone.
- If the injured area is swollen, red, and feels hot to the touch .
- If you cannot use an arm or leg properly , cannot bear weight, or have difficulty moving that arm/leg.
- If the injured arm or leg has changed in appearance (e.g., looks stretched out, has a different shape than the other side).
- If your child keeps complaining about a sore spot, don't dismiss it as something that happened while playing. Sometimes it can be a minor injury.
- If you have any doubts or concerns about your child's height growth (for example, if they seem significantly shorter than others of the same age, or if they suddenly stop growing, or if they notice that their limbs are unevenly long).
A doctor can examine you carefully, and if necessary, take an X-ray to determine if there is damage to a growth plate or other problems. Sometimes, tests such as an MRI or CT scan may also be needed. If treatment is started early, many problems can be resolved before they become serious, and future complications can be reduced.
Some important take-home messages
Okay, so I hope you now have a better understanding of the 'Growth Plates' we talked about today. You must have understood how valuable these are for the development of our children.
Finally, here are some things to remember:
- Growth plates are specialized cartilaginous areas where the bones of children and adolescents grow lengthwise. Without them, height cannot be increased.
- These gradually disappear with puberty , usually between the ages of 13-15 for girls and 15-17 for boys.
- Growth plates are slightly weaker than strong bones, so they can be easily injured. Be especially careful of growth plate fractures .
- Most of the time, these fractures heal well. However, in any case, especially if there is pain, swelling, or difficulty using the joint, it is important to seek medical advice. Prompt treatment can help prevent future complications.
- If you have any concerns about your child's growth or height, never be afraid to talk to a doctor about it. A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and safe activities are very important for a child's healthy bone development.
Seeing your child grow up healthy and happy is the dream of every mother and father. Being aware of little things like this will help a lot. Got it?
Growth Plates, Child Growth, Bone Growth, Cartilage, Bone Fractures, Puberty
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