Growth Plate Misdiagnosis in Children

Early identification of a growth plate issue in your child can be an important step to getting the medical support and intervention your child needs to protect their quality of life and mobility. Growth plate misdiagnosis in children is a serious mistake that can have lifelong consequences if left unaddressed.

If your child has suffered this kind of negligent care, you may be entitled to compensation for the complications and injuries they suffered. You can contact a Stratford medical malpractice attorney with Connoly Brennan Ralabate, PC to discuss your options.

Why Choose Us at Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC?

When you’re looking for a personal injury attorney, the team you choose matters. Choosing to work with Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC means knowing that we believe in your case and will fight for a favorable outcome. Every attorney on our team values direct communication with our clients to build lasting relationships.

Our growth plate misdiagnoses lawyers are experienced with the Connecticut medical malpractice laws to provide aggressive and competent representation to secure the necessary compensation for your child and your family.

What Are The Growth Plate Disorders in Children?

Growth plate disorders in children affect the cartilage attached to long bones. The cartilage contributes to bone development and allows your child to grow. At the end of puberty, the growth plate calcifies and hardens, stopping bone growth. These disorders can stem from an injury, such as a growth plate fracture, or other genetic factors.

Genetic conditions such as hypochondroplasia achondroplasia often occur due to growth plate disorders, which can present as forms of dwarfism and short stature. However, researchers at Children’s National are investigating treatment options with long-term efficacy if the variation is discovered early enough.

Damage to the growth plate can cause the cartilage to harden prematurely, leading to problems and complications. A genetically based growth plate disorder may prevent the growth plate from creating the appropriate bone cells.

What Happens if My Child’s Doctor Misdiagnoses a Growth Plate Disorder?

A missed growth plate disorder can lead to growth abnormalities or skeletal deformities. These long-term consequences can be mitigated or prevented by physicians who provide a thorough evaluation when they see pediatric patients.

When the growth plate disorder is diagnosed early and managed appropriately, most children with growth plate disorders can live a relatively normal life without complications. However, when this doesn’t happen, your child may be at risk of complications, such as differing limb length and angular deformity.

Complications from missed diagnoses may require the surgical removal of the growth plate or limb lengthening surgery. These interventions can prevent deformities and correct limb length discrepancies with a relatively positive prognosis. However, procedures like this can cost your family and your child significant time, money, and emotional energy.

Contact Our Connecticut Medical Misdiagnosis Attorneys Today

Growth plate disorders in pediatric practices are concerns that every pediatrician should look for when they are addressing injuries or parental concerns about growth. Complications from unaddressed problems can lead to physical and emotional distress that should not go unrecognized.

If your child’s doctor has missed a growth plate disorder in your child, you deserve to explore your options for compensation.