Question

Ethan, a 10-year-old boy jumps off a 2-foot wall, twisting his foot and ankle upon landing. His ankle x-ray shows a fx of the distal tibia over the articular surface into the epiphysis and physis. Based on the Salter-Harris classification for growth plate injuries, you think this is a:

A. Salter-Harris II
B. Salter-Harris III
C. Salter-Harris IV
D. Salter-Harris V

Answer 1

Ethan's ankle injury is consistent with a Salter-Harris IV fracture, as it involves the distal tibia, articular surface, epiphysis, and physis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ethan, a 10-year-old boy experienced a fracture, which involved his distal tibia, articular surface, epiphysis, and physis. Based on the description, this injury matches the criteria of a Salter-Harris classification type injury. A type IV fracture crosses through the joint surface into the epiphysis and physis, while types II are through the physis and metaphysis and type III involve only the epiphysis and physis. The Salter-Harris classification is crucial for understanding growth plate injuries in children as growth plate fractures can affect bone development.