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Growth arrest is caused by damage to a growth plate. Growth plates are areas of special cartilage cells that make bones grow longer. The most commonly affected growth plates are in the arms and legs. Fractures, bone infections and some bone diseases can cause growth arrest that results in disruption of normal bone growth. If a growth plate is partially injured, the bone may grow abnormally and become crooked. If the entire growth plate is affected, the bone may stop growing completely. Growth arrest is typically diagnosed with x-rays. A CT scan or an MRI may be necessary to understand how much of the growth plate is involved in the growth arrest. If the growth plate is only partially affected, surgery might be performed to remove the damaged portion and allow the limb to grow normally again. If most of the growth plate is injured, then treatment may include observation, surgery to cut the crooked bone and realign it, surgery to lengthen the short bone, or surgery to guide the growth of both limbs so that bone length differences do not occur.

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  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America
  • Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society
  • The Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society
  • American Orthopaedic Association