Question

"The growth plates are the weakest areas of the growing skeleton. they are even weaker than the nearby ligaments and tendons that connect bones to other bones and muscles. this makes growth plates vulnerable to fractures"

Based on the passage, what is the risk level associated with a child who has an epiphyseal plate fracture?
1) Low, because the epiphyseal plate is only related to tendon growth
2) Low, because the epiphyseal plate is only related to ligament growth
3) High, if the break includes the epiphyseal plate, because bone growth can proceed irregularly
4) High, if the break does not include the epiphyseal plate, because bone growth can proceed irregularly

Answer 1

The epiphyseal plate fracture poses a high risk of causing irregular bone growth if the fracture includes the growth plate, leading to potential developmental complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The risk level associated with a child who has an epiphyseal plate fracture is high, if the break includes the epiphyseal plate, due to the potential for irregular bone growth. The epiphyseal plate, also known as the growth plate, is a layer of hyaline cartilage where ossification occurs in immature bones. This plate allows for the lengthening of bones as a child grows. If a fracture occurs at the epiphyseal plate, it can disrupt the normal growth and development of the bone, potentially leading to complications such as irregular growth patterns, and thus warrants careful medical attention.