An ankle radiograph of a child shows a fracture line passing through the epiphysis, crossing the physis, and exiting through a vertical split in the metaphysis. According to the Salter-Harris system this injury is:

• A Type I
• B Type II
• C Type III
• D Type IV ✓

Explanation

Salter-Harris type IV passes through the epiphysis, crosses the physis, and traverses the metaphysis, producing the classic Thurstan Holland metaphyseal fragment along with an articular piece. It carries the highest risk of premature physeal arrest among the first four types because germinal cells are disrupted. Type II exits through the metaphysis but spares the epiphysis, and type III stays entirely distal to the physis within the epiphysis.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 22nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.