What acts as barrier to spread of an infection to the epiphysis?

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What acts as barrier to spread of an infection to the epiphysis?

The growth plate acts as a barrier to infection spreading to the epiphysis because it is a cartilaginous layer with limited blood flow that disrupts the normal vascular connection between the metaphysis and the epiphysis. Bacteria reach bone mainly via metaphyseal vessels, so the plate slows or prevents their spread into the epiphysis. The periosteum has rich blood supply and can serve as a pathway for infection, while the synovial membrane relates to the joint and can allow spread into or around the joint; articular cartilage is avascular but sits on the epiphysis and does not block the metaphysis–epiphysis connection in the same way, so it doesn’t serve as a barrier.

The growth plate acts as a barrier to infection spreading to the epiphysis because it is a cartilaginous layer with limited blood flow that disrupts the normal vascular connection between the metaphysis and the epiphysis. Bacteria reach bone mainly via metaphyseal vessels, so the plate slows or prevents their spread into the epiphysis. The periosteum has rich blood supply and can serve as a pathway for infection, while the synovial membrane relates to the joint and can allow spread into or around the joint; articular cartilage is avascular but sits on the epiphysis and does not block the metaphysis–epiphysis connection in the same way, so it doesn’t serve as a barrier.

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