Epiphyseal plate

The epiphyseal plate (or growth plate, from Greek: επίφυση - " it Grown ", " arisings " ) refers to the joint between the epiphysis ( end ) and the metaphysis of long bones and is composed of hyaline cartilage. It is the place of bone growth in the form of endochondral ossification. The ossification in the growth plate is called epiphyseal.

Physiology

In the growth plate, the longitudinal growth of the long bones takes place. The growth in length of the bone is called the interstitial. The bony part of the epiphysis is displaced distally, the long bones preformed cartilaginous (cartilage template). In the further course then migrate bone cells (osteoblasts ) in the cartilage, which diaphysis becomes longer. If an individual is fully grown, the epiphyseal plates close.

For the epiphyses on the hand skeleton of the people there are special atlases with which the chronological age of a child can be compared with the current skeletal age. This, in conjunction with the current length measurements, ie height, sitting height, leg length, etc. statements about the still expected total growth of the child or young person to be made. The epiphyseal plates close to the average human from the nineteenth year.

Diseases

In contrast to adults, in which the entire long bone is ossified, the cartilaginous part in children and adolescents is very vulnerable. Under mechanical load, it may here give damage (eg Apophysitis calcaneus, Schlatter 's disease ).

Injuries to the growth plate (eg epiphysiolysis ) and fractures that cross the growth plate, may cause erratic growth. Growth disorders can be hereditary as in multiple epiphyseal dysplasia.

A fracture involving the already partially closed growth plate is called transitional fracture.