[2] Particularly, deficiencies in protein and vitamins, which lead to delayed longitudinal bone growth, can result in the formation of 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.

Harris line formation typically peaks in long bones around 2–3 years after birth and becomes rare until adulthood after the age of 5.