The epiphysis is located at either end of long bones and is evident within the fetus approximately four weeks post conception. During growth, the epiphysis is comprised of specialized cartilage, including articular epiphyseal cartilage (AEC) and growth plate epiphyseal cartilage (GEC), together accounting for longitudinal growth of long bones. In maturity, most of the epiphyseal cartilage is replaced with trabecular bone, encased in a thin shell of cortical bone with hyaline cartilage persisting at the joint surface.
Epiphyseal pathology sustained during growth can have profound lifelong consequence. This webinar reviews common epiphyseal pathologies, including articular and growth plate osteochondrosis and epiphyseal trauma. A focus on diagnosis, treatment and expected outcomes with practical tips and tricks for use in your practice is presented.