Growth plate abnormalities in the elbow - general

Question 1

What might injury or pathology of the epiphyses or physes of the radius and ulna lead to?

Answer 1

Premature closure of radial and/or ulnar growth plates resulting in possible bone shortening, anuglar deformity and consequent subluxation of the elbow and carpal joints

Question 2

Longitudinal growth of the radius?

Answer 2

40% in proximal growth plate
60% in distal growth plate

Question 3

Longitudinal growth of the ulna?

Answer 3

15% in the proximal growth plate
85% in the distal growth plate
Distal ulnar physis conical in shape -> enhanced growth potential, increased vulnerability

Question 4

What makes the distal ulnar growth plate vulnerable to premature closure?

Answer 4

Due to its conical shape, the distal ulnar growth plate is highly susceptible to compressive forces which may result in premature closure