Growth arrest lines

Growth Arrest Lines

File:Growth arrest lines.jpg

Growth arrest lines on a bone x-ray

Growth arrest lines, also known as Harris lines, are horizontal lines that appear on long bones visible on radiographs. They are indicative of a temporary cessation of bone growth, often due to systemic illness or stress.

Overview

Growth arrest lines were first described by the British orthopedic surgeon Robert Harris in 1926. They are seen as transverse lines on radiographs of long bones in children and adolescents. These lines represent periods of temporary cessation of bone growth due to systemic illness, malnutrition, or other stressors.

Formation

Growth arrest lines form when the normal process of bone growth, which involves the deposition of new bone tissue at the growth plate, is temporarily halted. This can occur due to a variety of stressors, including systemic illness, malnutrition, or trauma. Once the stressor is removed and normal growth resumes, a line of increased bone density is left at the site of the growth plate, marking the location of the temporary growth arrest.

Clinical Significance

Growth arrest lines can provide valuable information about a patient's past health. By examining the number and spacing of these lines, healthcare providers can estimate the number and duration of past growth interruptions. This can be useful in diagnosing and managing conditions that affect bone growth, such as rickets, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders.

See Also

• Bone growth
• Bone density
• Radiograph