Final answer:
The most significant predictive factor for growth arrest following a physeal fracture is the damage to the growth plate. The severity, management, and accompanying health factors of the patient will influence the likelihood of growth arrest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most predictive factor for growth arrest after a physeal fracture is the damage to the growth plate itself, also known as the epiphyseal plate. The growth plate is responsible for longitudinal bone growth through the proliferation and subsequent maturation of chondrocytes. Damage to this area can result in impaired growth and potential arrest, particularly if the fracture disrupts the organization and function of the cells in the proliferative zone of the epiphyseal plate. Factors such as the severity of the damage, the age at which the injury occurs, and how the fracture is managed, including the necessity for surgical intervention, can influence the outcome of physeal fractures. Additionally, the presence of pre-existing bone disease, the type of bone affected, and the overall health and nutritional status of the individual can also affect healing and the risk of growth arrest.