What kind of intensity is used over epiphyseal plates?

• A. Continuous high intensity
• B. Pulsed, low intensity
• C. Thermal high
• D. Pulsed high intensity

Answer: (B)

Growth plates are sensitive to heat, so energy delivered over epiphyseal regions is kept in a way that minimizes temperature rise. Pulsed, low-intensity delivery delivers energy in short bursts with rest periods, keeping the average energy—and therefore the tissue heating—low. This protects the growing bone while allowing the modality to have its therapeutic effect. Continuous high-intensity or thermal-high modes would raise tissue temperature more, increasing the risk of thermal injury to the growth plate, which is why they aren’t used here. Even pulsed high intensity can produce higher peak energies, so the safer, preferred approach is pulsed, low intensity.