2. • A Typical long bone consists of
Diaphysis
Metaphysis
Epiphysis
3. Epiphysis
Two cartilaginous ends of a
growing bone are known as
epiphysis
Consists of spongy bone with thin
outer wall of compact bone
4. Types of Epiphysis
• PRESSURE EPIPHYSIS –Develops in line of weight
transmission at articular ends of long bones.
Eg:- Head of humerus & lower end of radius
• This protect the epiphyseal cartilage from stress and strain
during growth period.
• TRACTION EPIPHYSIS –Develops at the sites of attachment
of certain muscles which exert a pulling action.
Eg:-Greater trochanter of femur& tubercles of Humerus
5. • ATAVESTIC EPIPHYSIS –Phylogenitically they are
separate bones but in human they lose their
independent identity and are fused with other bones.
Eg:- Corocoid process of scapula
• ABERRANT EPIPHYSIS –Metacarpal bones possess only one
epiphysis at their distal end except the 1st which has its epiphysis at its
proximal end only.
When an epiphysis develops at the other end it is known an aberrant
epiphysis. 2nd and/or 5th metacarpal bone may develop an epiphysis at
its proximal end which is called an aberrant epiphysis
6. Development
• Epiphysis develop from secondary centres of ossification.
• They develop by process of enchondral ossification.
7. • Injuries involving epiphyseal growth plate are classified by
Salter-Harris classification
Classified into 5 types based on fracture line
8. Apophysis
• An apophysis is a normal developmental
outgrowth of a bone which arises from a
separate ossification centre and fuses to
the bone later in development.
• Occasionally an apophysis can persist into
adult life and if injured may become
symptomatic.
• The many apophyses in the body have
variable appearances and are often
mistaken for fractures.