A metaphyseal fracture is a break in the bone at the metaphysis, which can disrupt bone growth and development. It commonly occurs in children’s arms or legs and can be difficult to detect. Treatment may include rest or casting to correct bony deviations.
A bone fracture, also called broken bone, is a condition in which there is a break in the continuity or structure of the bone. These breaks can be as simple as a hairline or stress fracture, which lead to only tiny cracks that disturb the bone structure, or as complicated as a complete break, where the bone is fragmented into two or more pieces. . A complete disruption of bone continuity can also result in a condition called an open fracture where the injured bone also disrupts the integrity of the skin. A metaphyseal fracture is a break in the bone at the metaphysis.
The metaphysis is a part of each long bone located between the shaft, or shaft, and the epiphysis, or end, of the bone, where growth or lengthening occurs. This is where the epiphyseal plate, also called the growth plate, is located. The bone continues to develop as the body matures until between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. When development is complete, the metaphysis hardens or ossifies into bone. Experiencing a metaphyseal fracture can disrupt bone growth and development.
Commonly, these fractures occur in the arms or legs of children younger than two years of age. They are often the result of jerky or wobbling motion, because a child’s bones are less stable or hard than those of adults. This type of breakage can also occur due to improper handling of an infant or a self-inflicted accident in which the child tries to use the limb with too much force. Due to the fact that a metaphyseal fracture does not always present with the normal swelling and pain issues of a break in another area of the bone, detecting this condition can be difficult.
Although a metaphyseal fracture occurs in the metaphysis, there are different types of breaks that can occur. A bucket handle metaphyseal fracture, for example, can occur where long bones connect to another part of the body, such as the ankles or armpits. An angle fracture, on the other hand, is a break in the long bone in the area of the metaphysis and growth plate. Stress fractures or chipping can also occur in this area.
Unlike other fractures, a metaphyseal fracture may have the ability to heal on its own as the body continuously develops and creates more bone cells. With severe fractures of this area, however, rest of the affected limb may be necessary. In severe cases, this type of fracture can alter the alignment of the bone itself or the way it connects to another part of the body. In these cases, castings or other treatment methods may be needed to correct bony deviations that can cause deformities.
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