Biomechanical activity of the growth plate. Clinical incidences.

The authors analyze at several levels the biomechanical activity of the epiphyseal plate. From a histologic point of view, they show the role played by the different cell layers in growth. The rapid growth of long bones is well known in animals, not entirely in human beings. The factors involved in mechanical regulation of the epiphyseal plate are analyzed according to distraction and compression stresses. Other factors have also been reported (periosteum and muscle). Analysis of the literature reveals that biomechanical activity and the factors managing growth are not well known yet. A combined effort should be made to obtain better understanding of the surgical procedures carried out in pediatric orthopedics.