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What Causes Growth Plates In Ankle To Be Wide Open?

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Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015
Question: I have x rays of my son's ankle. The doctor said his growth plates are wide open. What does that mean and what can you tell in terms of continued growth from these x rays? Can I send you the x rays to get an opinion on the future growth and how long these growth plates will remain open allowing for growth?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It means bones are growing.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Growth plates are found at the end of bones and these are responsible for growth of bones.These areas are made up of cartilage.
Growth plates are wide open means bone is still growing and it is not fused.Different bones of our body fuses at different times and it also helps in determination of age.
After fusion of growth plate,growth of bone ceases.
Growth plates may fuse early or get delayed depending upon various conditions.

Your son's findings means bones are growing and this is normal.You can upload images if you wish.

Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (7 minutes later)
I have attached the xrays. Can you tell from the xrays how much more growth in inches we can expect? How long would you say from the xray until the plates close? 1 year, 2 years? I am trying to get some specific information. I realize that it may be an estimation and that is fine.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is possible to determine growth of bones in inches from this finding.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

It is possible to determine growth of bones in inches from this finding.
In majority of the cases,it fuses at 18-19 years in males ,so we can say that it will grow for at least 2-3 years but exact length is not possible to determine.

Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (12 minutes later)
I understand that exact length in additional inches gained is not possible. Is it possible though to give an estimation? Can you give us a general idea of additional inches gained? We know that it will not be exact in any way, but would like a general idea.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
we can expect 5-6 inches more.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Though it is difficult to estimate,we can expect 5-6 inches more.

Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indu Kumar

Radiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 6729 Questions

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What Causes Growth Plates In Ankle To Be Wide Open?

Brief Answer: It means bones are growing. Detailed Answer: Hello Growth plates are found at the end of bones and these are responsible for growth of bones.These areas are made up of cartilage. Growth plates are wide open means bone is still growing and it is not fused.Different bones of our body fuses at different times and it also helps in determination of age. After fusion of growth plate,growth of bone ceases. Growth plates may fuse early or get delayed depending upon various conditions. Your son's findings means bones are growing and this is normal.You can upload images if you wish. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX