Ulnar Growth Plate Fracture: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment-Casting, Surgery

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The growth plate which is also called as epiphyseal plate is a hyaline cartilage plate that is present at end of long bone. This plate is present in children and adolescents. After growth is complete, this plate is replaced by an epiphyseal line. The growth plate is present in the form of a cartilage in children. This cartilage forms into a bone after complete maturity of the bones. The growth plates are more vulnerable to fractures since then mature at the very end of development, thus their occurrence is more in children since their skeletal system is not matured yet.

 Ulnar Growth Plate Fracture

Symptoms of Ulnar Growth Plate Fracture

  • Instantaneous pain after falling on the hand.
  • Pain after a direct impact to elbow.
  • Pain with elbow motion.
  • Difficulty with movement of elbow.
  • Elbow deformity.
  • Swelling develops.
  • Tenderness with touch.

Causes of Ulnar Growth Plate Fracture

  • Falling on the arm.
  • Direct impact to arm.
  • Trauma such as after being involved in some type of motor vehicle accident.

Causes of Ulnar Growth Plate Fracture

Treatment of Ulnar Growth Plate Fracture

  • Studies like X-ray or MRI to validate the diagnosis.
  • If validated, immediate medical attention is needed.
  • With nondisplaced fractures, the arm needs to be immobilized in a cast for a month until it is healed.
  • In case of displacement of bones, they need to be reduced either manually or via surgery.
  • Acute cases need surgery with placement of pins or wires to align the bones.
  • After surgery, casting is done for some weeks to promote healing.
  • After complete healing, a rehab program is started to get back the lost motion and flexibility of arm.
Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:June 20, 2018

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