Groeiplaten

Groeiplaten, also known as growth plates, are the cartilaginous regions at the ends of long bones in children and adolescents. They lie between the metaphysis and epiphysis and enable the bones to lengthen as the child grows.

Structure and function: Each growth plate consists of hyaline cartilage organized into zones that support endochondral ossification, whereby cartilage is progressively replaced by bone as growth proceeds. Growth plates are present in most long bones, including the femur, tibia, humerus, radius, and phalanges, and their activity is regulated by hormones such as growth hormone and sex steroids.

Development and closure: With puberty, chondrocyte proliferation slows and the plates gradually ossify, eventually forming a bony epiphyseal line after closure. Closure timing varies by bone, sex, and individual.

Clinical relevance: Growth plate injuries (physeal fractures) are common in children and can affect limb length or alignment if not treated properly. They are classified using the Salter-Harris system. Diagnosis typically relies on radiographs; MRI may be used when the injury is not evident on X-ray. Treatment ranges from immobilization to surgical intervention depending on fracture type and displacement.