A 10-year-old boy falls on an outstretched hand. X-ray of the distal radius shows a fracture through the physis that extends into the metaphysis, producing a triangular metaphyseal fragment attached to the epiphysis. According to the Salter-Harris classification, this is:

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

Explanation

B physeal fracture passing through the growth plate and exiting through the metaphysis, leaving the triangular Thurstan Holland fragment, is Salter-Harris type II. It is the commonest physeal injury and carries a good prognosis because the germinal layer usually remains with the epiphysis. Type III passes through the physis and epiphysis into the joint, and type IV crosses metaphysis, physis and epiphysis, both carrying higher risks of growth arrest.

Reference: Apley's System of Orthopaedics and Fractures, 10th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.