MSK imaging: Salter-Harris classification: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Radiology · MSK imaging: Salter-Harris classification

Sample item

A 10-year-old child has a distal radius injury. A radiograph shows a fracture through the growth plate that exits through the metaphysis, producing a triangular metaphyseal fragment. Which type is this?

ASalter-Harris type IBSalter-Harris type IICSalter-Harris type IIIDSalter-Harris type V

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Salter-Harris type II

Type II is the commonest, passing through the physis and out through the metaphysis, which creates the Thurston-Holland fragment. Type III runs through the epiphysis and type IV through all three, and type V is a crush injury.

Option by option

A. Salter-Harris type I
Type I is a pure physeal separation.
B. Salter-Harris type II (correct)
Correct. A physeal fracture with a metaphyseal fragment is type II.
C. Salter-Harris type III
Type III exits through the epiphysis into the joint.
D. Salter-Harris type V
Type V is a compression injury of the physis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Salter-Harris type II. Type II is the commonest, passing through the physis and out through the metaphysis, which creates the Thurston-Holland fragment.

Why is "Salter-Harris type I" not the answer?

Type I is a pure physeal separation.

Why is "Salter-Harris type III" not the answer?

Type III exits through the epiphysis into the joint.

Why is "Salter-Harris type V" not the answer?

Type V is a compression injury of the physis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MSK imaging: Salter-Harris classification in Radiology. Type III runs through the epiphysis and type IV through all three, and type V is a crush injury.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study MSK imaging: Salter-Harris classification?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.