Salter-Harris fracture type that involves the metaphysis and physis with sparing of the epiphysis?

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

Answer: (B)

This pattern tests your ability to recognize Salter-Harris fractures by where the break passes relative to the growth plate, metaphysis, and epiphysis. If the fracture goes through the metaphysis and the growth plate (physis) while the epiphysis—the end of the bone that forms the joint surface—stays intact, you’re looking at the scenario described. This is the pattern known as Salter-Harris type II. It fits best because the epiphysis is spared, preserving the joint surface, while the fracture involves the growth plate and metaphysis, which carries some risk to future growth but generally has a better prognosis than patterns that involve the epiphysis or all three structures. The other patterns either spare the metaphysis, involve the epiphysis, or involve metaphysis, physis, and epiphysis in combination, which doesn’t match the given description.