ABSTRACT
Physeal bars represent an area of physeal growth arrest with subsequent bony bar formation across a portion of the physis. The bars result in a tether to normal longitudinal bone growth and can result in angular deformity, limb length discrepancy, or both. They usually occur as the result of trauma. They may also occur due to sepsis, neoplasia, environmental exposure, congenital deformities and sequelae to medical treatment. Physeal bars can be peripheral, central or linear; the location and the size of the bar determines the effect on normal growth of the physis. Once a physeal bar develops, that region of the physis cannot contribute to linear growth of the bone. A large centrally placed bar in a child who has significant growth remaining will result in considerable shortening of the limb. The size of the bar can be determined by many different means, depending upon the technology available.
