A Review of the Epiphyseal Plate in Long Bones

Abstract

The human skeleton is a complex organ involved in movement, support, and protection. The epiphyseal plate is the mediator of longitudinal bone growth in long bones. The various layers of the plate function to facilitate growth, and a disturbance to any layer has the potential to cause growth cessation. The Salter-Harris classification system is used frequently to diagnose epiphyseal fractures according to the location of various separations. Youth sports, especially American football, are the leading cause of epiphyseal injuries. Future research is focused on developing a gene therapy to restore bone growth after cessation.