physeal bar
Pronunciation: FY-see-ul
A bony bridge across the growth plate that prevents normal longitudinal growth, often resulting from trauma or tumor involvement.
Full Definition
A physeal bar represents an abnormal bony or fibrous connection across the growth plate (physis) that disrupts normal longitudinal bone growth. These bars can result from trauma, infection, tumor involvement, or iatrogenic injury during surgical procedures. Physeal bars cause growth disturbances including limb length discrepancy, angular deformity, and premature physeal closure. In orthopedic oncology, physeal bars may develop as a consequence of tumor involvement of the growth plate or as a complication of treatment including surgery or radiation therapy. Management options include bar resection with fat or material interposition, corrective osteotomy, or limb lengthening procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Also called a bone bridge or bony bar when referring specifically to osseous tissue.
In Context
- "MRI revealed a central physeal bar causing progressive angular deformity of the distal radius." — Pediatric orthopedic consultation
- "The physeal bar was successfully resected and replaced with fat graft to restore growth potential." — Operative report