Epiphysenstreckens

Epiphysenstreckens, also known as the epiphyseal plate or growth plate, refers to the region of actively growing cartilage in the long bones of children and adolescents. These plates are located near the ends of the long bones, specifically within the epiphyses, which are the expanded ends of the bones. The epiphysis is separated from the shaft (diaphysis) by the epiphyseal plate. In this specialized area, chondrocytes, or cartilage cells, undergo proliferation and hypertrophy, leading to the lengthening of the bone. As a person matures and reaches skeletal maturity, typically in late adolescence, the cartilage within the epiphyseal plate is gradually replaced by bone, a process called ossification. Once this ossification is complete, the epiphyseal plate fuses, and bone growth in length ceases. Fractures occurring through the epiphyseal plate in a growing individual are known as epiphyseal plate fractures or Salter-Harris fractures and can have significant implications for future bone growth if not properly managed. Damage to the growth plate can lead to premature closure and subsequent limb length discrepancies.