Checking Whether the Accident Affected the Growth Plates
Table of Contents
What is a growth plate?
The growth plate (epiphyseal plate) is a layer of cartilage at the ends of long bones where cell division causes bones to lengthen. Growth plates are structurally weaker than the surrounding bone or ligaments, so they are vulnerable to external impact. The growth plates of the knee (distal femur and proximal tibia), wrist (distal radius), and ankle (distal fibula) are particularly at risk in accidents.
Traffic accidents and growth plate injury
When the impact of a traffic accident is transmitted to the limbs, compressive, shearing, and traction forces can act on the growth plate. In severe cases, this leads to a growth plate fracture classified by the Salter-Harris system, but in many cases the injury is a microscopic injury that does not show clearly on imaging. The problem is that such micro-injuries can over time cause premature closure of the growth plate.
X-ray confirmation and detailed imaging
Immediately after the accident, an X-ray of the limbs is taken to check for fractures. If a microscopic injury at the growth plate is suspected, an MRI may be necessary. Even if the X-ray is normal, when pain persists, joint motion is limited, or swelling lasts more than 2 weeks, we recommend further imaging.
Follow-up timeline
- Immediately after the accident: Initial X-ray, physical examination of the limb joints
- 1 month later: Reassessment of symptoms, additional imaging if needed
- 3 months later: Comparison of bone length around the growth plate (checking left-right symmetry)
- 6 months to 1 year: Monitoring of growth velocity and any difference in limb length between sides
Korean medicine adjunctive treatment
To promote recovery of the soft tissues around the growth plate, we prescribe kidney-tonifying, bone-strengthening (bo-sin-gang-gol, 補腎强骨) herbs such as deer antler velvet (nokyong, 鹿茸), dipsacus root (sokdan, 續斷), and drynaria (golswaebo, 骨碎補). These support the bone and cartilage's own capacity for recovery. At the same time, we combine acupuncture to promote local qi-blood circulation around the injured area, creating an environment in which the growth plate can function normally.
Even when symptoms are not obvious in the early stage, growth plate injuries can affect long-term growth, so regular follow-up observation is essential.