Epiphyseolysis is a medical term that refers to the separation or detachment of the epiphysis from the bone shaft. This condition usually affects growing children and is commonly seen in the hip joint. The spelling of this word is based on the Greek roots "epi-" (meaning "upon" or "above"), "physis" (meaning "growth"), and "-lysis" (meaning "loosening" or "dissolution"). The correct pronunciation of this word is /ˌɛpɪfaɪsiˈɒlɪsɪs/, with the stress on the second syllable.
Epiphyseolysis is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by the separation or displacement of the growth plate in a long bone from the adjacent bone tissue. The growth plate, also known as the epiphyseal plate, is a specialized cartilaginous area located near the ends of long bones where growth occurs in children and adolescents.
Epiphyseolysis commonly affects the proximal femur, particularly in young adolescents during periods of rapid growth. The condition is often classified into two main types: slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and traumatic epiphyseolysis. SCFE refers to the gradual or spontaneous displacement of the head of the femur from the neck, while traumatic epiphyseolysis occurs as a result of a sudden injury or trauma to the affected bone.
Symptoms of epiphyseolysis typically include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected joint. Physical examination and imaging techniques such as X-rays are usually employed to diagnose and determine the severity of the condition. Treatment usually involves surgical intervention to realign the growth plate and stabilize the bone using pins or screws.
If left untreated, epiphyseolysis can lead to complications such as avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply), premature closure of the growth plate, and long-term deformities. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for a favorable outcome and to prevent potential long-term complications.
Loosening or separation of an epiphysis from the shaft of a bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word epiphyseolysis is derived from two Greek roots: epi- meaning on or upon, and physis, meaning growth or nature. The suffix -lysis comes from the Greek lysis, meaning loosening or dissolution. Therefore, epiphyseolysis can be understood as loosening or dissolution of the growth plate.