In Salter-Harris Type II fractures, which statement is correct?

In Salter-Harris Type II fractures, which statement is correct?

• A. Growth disturbances are likely
• B. Growth disturbances are unlikely
• C. There is a metaphyseal fragment on the compression side
• D. This type is typically treated with open reduction

Answer: (B)

Salter-Harris Type II fractures involve a fracture through the physis and metaphysis with a metaphyseal fragment (the Thurston-Holland fragment) that typically stays with the epiphysis. Because the growth plate itself is largely preserved, the potential for growth disturbances is low, so growth disturbances are unlikely if the fracture is reduced anatomically and immobilized properly. These injuries are usually managed with closed reduction and casting; open reduction is reserved for cases that cannot be reduced or stabilized closed. The statement about a metaphyseal fragment on the compression side isn’t the defining point, whereas the favorable prognosis for growth aligns with preserving the physis.

Salter-Harris Type II fractures involve a fracture through the physis and metaphysis with a metaphyseal fragment (the Thurston-Holland fragment) that typically stays with the epiphysis. Because the growth plate itself is largely preserved, the potential for growth disturbances is low, so growth disturbances are unlikely if the fracture is reduced anatomically and immobilized properly. These injuries are usually managed with closed reduction and casting; open reduction is reserved for cases that cannot be reduced or stabilized closed. The statement about a metaphyseal fragment on the compression side isn’t the defining point, whereas the favorable prognosis for growth aligns with preserving the physis.