Glossary term
Growth plate (Physis)
The area of cartilage near the end of long bones where new bone is produced during growth.
Updated 2026-02-241 alias3 sourcesUsed across articles and safety pages
Definition
The area of cartilage near the end of long bones where new bone is produced during skeletal growth in children and adolescents. In limb lengthening, all osteotomies must be performed distal to closed physes to avoid disrupting residual growth.
Aliases
physis
Updated 2026-02-24
Sources
- Marwan Y, Cohen D, Alotaibi M, et al. Cosmetic stature lengthening: systematic review of outcomes and complications. Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(7):341–350.other_publicAccessed 2026-02-24
- Giorgino R, Cornacchini J, Sillmann YM, et al. Aesthetic lower limb lengthening techniques: a systematic review of efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction. J Orthop Surg Res. 2025;20(1):415.other_publicAccessed 2026-02-24
- Hosny GA. Limb lengthening history, evolution, complications and current concepts. J Orthop Traumatol. 2020;21(1):3.other_publicAccessed 2026-02-24
Informational only. Not medical advice.