Why are growth plates particularly vulnerable to fractures?

Growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, are regions of developing cartilage tissue located near the ends of long bones. They play a critical role in the development and growth of bones during childhood and adolescence. The reason that growth plates are particularly vulnerable to fractures is that they are inherently weaker than fully ossified bones.

As the body grows, these growth plates gradually harden and transform into solid bone through a process called ossification. Until this process is complete, which typically occurs after puberty, the growth plates are comprised of softer cartilage rather than the denser, stronger bone material. This cartilage is not as robust as mature bone, making it more susceptible to injury and fractures, particularly in situations involving impact or stress.

In contrast, fully ossified bones are designed to withstand greater mechanical forces due to their composition and structure. Therefore, the inherent weakness of the growth plates relative to mature bone explains their vulnerability to fractures during periods of rapid growth or in cases of trauma.