Growth arrest lines, also known as Harris lines, are lines of increased
bone density that represent the position of the
growth plate at the time of
insult to the organism and formed on
long bones due to
growth arrest. They are only visible by
radiograph or in cross-section. The age at which the lines were formed can be estimated from a radiograph. Harris lines are often discussed as a result of juvenile
malnutrition, disease or trauma. Other studies suggest a reconsideration of Harris lines as more of a result of normal growth and growth spurts, rather than a pure outcome of nutritional or pathologic stress.[1] The lines are named after Henry Albert Harris (1886–1968), professor of anatomy at the
University of Cambridge.[2]
Particularly, deficiencies in
protein and
vitamins, which lead to delayed longitudinal
bone growth, can result in the formation of Harris lines.[3] During the process of
endochondral bone growth, the cessation of osteoblastic activity results in the deposition of a thin layer of bone beneath the
cartilage cap, potentially forming Harris lines.[4][5] Subsequent recovery, necessary for the restoration of
osteoblastic activity, is also implicated in Harris line formation.[6] When matured cartilage cells reactivate, bone growth resumes, causing a thickening of the bony stratum. Therefore, complete recovery from periods of chronic illness or
malnutrition also manifests as transverse lines on radiographs. Lines tend to be thicker with prolonged and severe malnutrition. Harris line formation typically peaks in long bones around 2-3 years after birth and becomes rare until adulthood after the age of 5. Additionally, Harris lines occur more frequently in boys than in girls.[7]
White TD (2001). Human Osteology (2nd ed.). San Diego: Academic Press.
Papageorgopoulou C, Suter SK, Rühli FJ, Siegmund F (2011). "Harris lines revisited: prevalence, comorbidities, and possible etiologies". American Journal of Human Biology. 23 (3): 381–91.
doi:
10.1002/ajhb.21155.
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Suter S, Harders M, Papageorgopoulou C, Kuhn G, Székely G, Rühli FJ (November 2008). "Technical note: standardized and semiautomated Harris lines detection". American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 137 (3): 362–6.
doi:
10.1002/ajpa.20901.
PMID18711729.
Alfonso-Durruty MP (June 2011). "Experimental assessment of nutrition and bone growth's velocity effects on Harris lines formation". American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 145 (2): 169–80.
doi:
10.1002/ajpa.21480.
PMID21469071.