ABSTRACT
Physeal bars can be peripheral, central or linear (Figure 70.2); the location and the size of the bar determines the effect on normal growth of the physis.
Cessation of linear growth Once a physeal bar develops, that region of the physis cannot contribute to linear growth of the bone. However, whether this will affect the overall growth at the physis with resultant growth arrest will depend on the size and location of the bar and on the amount of growth remaining in
the physis. The amount of growth is unique to each of the long bone physes and the amount of growth contributed to each physis must be known.2-7
Angular deformity When there is significant remaining growth a physeal bar will result in an angular deformity if peripherally located. Central bars usually result in a tenting of the articular surface, with varying amounts of angular deformity, if the bar is eccentrically located.
