Concerns About Potential Growth Plate Fractures in a 15-Year-Old
My 15-year-old son underwent x-rays last night following persistent pain in his hips that began mid-July, shortly after he started attending high school football practices. Initially, he felt discomfort in his left lower back, attributing it to muscle strain. However, the pain progressively expanded to encompass his hip area, leading him to reassess the source of his discomfort. More recently, he experienced similar symptoms on his right side, commencing with back pain before encircling his hip. He has been heavily reliant on ibuprofen for relief, applying ice to both sides and resting after school and practice. Upon returning home, he often moves around gingerly, as if he were much older, due to the pain. After discussing the situation with a friend who is a chiropractor, it was suggested that I should seek x-rays as soon as possible to rule out potential injuries to his growth plates; I hadn’t considered that possibility before! I managed to get him to an urgent care facility, but sadly, there was no radiologist available to analyze the x-rays at the time. My chiropractor friend has also been unreachable for consultation this evening. When I reviewed the images, I noticed two areas on both iliac crests that raised my concerns. I am uncertain whether these areas indicate normal growth plates or if they could potentially be fractures. I expect to receive feedback from the radiologist in the morning, but I’m feeling anxious and am hopeful that someone here might be able to provide additional perspective.
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 6:10:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious about your son's symptoms and the possibility of a growth plate fracture, especially after seeing concerning areas on the x-rays. Here’s a structured response to help you navigate this situation:
Main Points:
- Persistent hip pain in adolescents can have various causes, including stress fractures, tendinitis, or other soft tissue injuries.
- Growth plate injuries are a concern in young athletes due to the ongoing development of their bones.
- The most important step now is to wait for the radiologist's interpretation of the x-rays.
Explanation:
Young athletes often experience hip pain due to overuse or strain, especially during high-impact activities like football. Growth plates (areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones) are vulnerable to injury, and such injuries can manifest as pain, swelling, or reduced mobility. While it's difficult to determine the nature of the areas you noted without professional analysis, x-rays are a crucial first step in ruling out potential fractures.
Next Steps:
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Wait for Radiologist Feedback: Since the radiologist's report is critical, it’s best to wait until you receive that feedback in the morning. This will provide clarity on whether the areas noted on the x-rays are within the normal range or if they warrant further investigation.
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Continue Pain Management: Continue using ibuprofen as needed and applying ice to reduce inflammation. Ensure he stays hydrated and takes rests between activities. However, if pain persists, consider limiting activities that exacerbate the pain until you have more information.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in his symptoms such as increased pain, changes in mobility, or any new symptoms. This information can be valuable for his healthcare providers.
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Prepare for Follow-Up: Depending on the findings, you may need to follow up with a sports medicine specialist or an orthopedic doctor if a growth plate injury is confirmed. They can offer specific guidance on rehabilitation or activity restrictions.
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Encourage Open Communication: Talk to him about his symptoms and ensure he feels comfortable discussing any changes. It's important that he communicates how he feels to prevent further injury.
I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared as you wait for the results. Please remember that it’s entirely normal to feel concerned, and reaching out for information shows your dedication to your son’s health. Don’t hesitate to ask any further questions once you have the radiologist’s report.
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