What type of fracture occurs near the growth plate of a bone?

The option pertaining to a metaphyseal fracture correctly identifies the type of fracture that occurs near the growth plate, which is also known as the physeal plate or epiphyseal plate. In growing children and adolescents, the growth plate is located at the end of long bones, and the metaphysis is the region just adjacent to it.

Fractures in this area are significant because they can affect future bone growth if not properly managed. Such fractures can disrupt the normal development of bones, potentially leading to deformities or discrepancies in limb length later on. This makes the understanding of metaphyseal fractures particularly important for orthopedic technologists working with pediatric patients.

In contrast, other types of fractures do not specifically refer to the area near the growth plate. For instance, diaphyseal fractures occur in the shaft of the bone, epicondylar fractures refer to the bony protrusions at the ends of bones near joints, and transcondylar fractures typically involve different structures around the condyles in the joint area. These distinctions underscore why a metaphyseal fracture is the correct identification for fractures occurring adjacent to the growth plate.