During development, a child's long bones are able to grow because of cartilage-like growth centers that remain active until skeletal maturity. The physis, or growth plate, is susceptible to injury since this area of the bone is not as dense as the adjacent bone. Injuries within or across the growth plate result in separation of the physis from the bone and are considered a fracture. If you need to get in touch with an orthopedic physician, then don't wait to call our team.