Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
physeal arrest
Premature cessation of growth at the growth plate, often resulting from trauma or infection.
Full Definition
Physeal arrest refers to the premature stoppage of normal bone growth at the physis (growth plate) in pediatric patients. This condition can result from various causes including trauma, infection, tumor, or radiation exposure. The arrest may be partial or complete, and can lead to angular deformities, limb length discrepancies, or joint incongruity. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes in growing children.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify whether arrest is complete or partial, and include anatomical location.
In Context
- "The patient developed physeal arrest following a Salter-Harris type V fracture of the distal femur." — orthopedic surgical report
- "MRI findings confirmed partial physeal arrest with bridge formation across the medial aspect of the growth plate." — radiology report
Also known as
growth plate arrest
physeal closure
Contrasted with
physeal growth
normal skeletal development
Don't confuse with
physeal fracture
epiphyseal dysplasia