Paediatric: Salter-Harris type IV: practice question

A Orthopaedics 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.

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Orthopaedics · Paediatric: Salter-Harris type IV

Sample item

A fracture of the distal humerus in a child runs through the metaphysis, physis and epiphysis, entering the joint. Which Salter-Harris type is it?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Type IV

Type IV passes through the metaphysis, physis and epiphysis, crossing all three zones. It is intra-articular and threatens growth arrest, so anatomical reduction and fixation are needed. Type III runs through the epiphysis and physis only.

Option by option

  • A. Type III

    Type III spares the metaphysis.

  • B. Type I

    Type I is a pure physeal separation.

  • C. Type IV (correct)

    Correct. Involvement of the metaphysis, physis and epiphysis is type IV.

  • D. Type II

    Type II exits through the metaphysis and spares the epiphysis.

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.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Type IV. Type IV passes through the metaphysis, physis and epiphysis, crossing all three zones.

Why is "Type III" not the answer?

Type III spares the metaphysis.

Why is "Type I" not the answer?

Type I is a pure physeal separation.

Why is "Type II" not the answer?

Type II exits through the metaphysis and spares the epiphysis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric: Salter-Harris type IV in Orthopaedics. It is intra-articular and threatens growth arrest, so anatomical reduction and fixation are needed. Type III runs through the epiphysis and physis only.

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 Paediatric: Salter-Harris type IV?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics 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.