American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What typically causes growth disturbances after epiphyseal injury?

1. Infection of the epiphysis

2. Fracture dislocation

3. Damage to blood supply to the epiphysis

4. Improper casting techniques

The correct answer is: Damage to blood supply to the epiphysis

Growth disturbances following an epiphyseal injury are primarily attributed to damage to the blood supply to the epiphysis. The epiphysis, which is the end part of a long bone, contains growth plates crucial for bone development. An injury that disrupts the vascular supply can hinder this essential growth process, leading to potential growth plate arrest or asymmetrical growth. When the blood supply is compromised, it can result in avascular necrosis, where bone tissue dies due to lack of blood flow, preventing the epiphyseal plate from functioning normally, thus affecting the overall growth and development of the bone. In contrast, while infections can cause complications, they are not the most prevalent cause of growth disturbances in the context of epiphyseal injuries. Fracture dislocations may complicate conditions, but they primarily induce instability and do not directly impact vascularity to the same extent. Lastly, improper casting techniques can lead to malalignment or other issues, but their effect on the growth plate typically stems from the initial injury rather than from the casting itself.