Question

A child is hospitalized with a fractured femur involving the epiphysis. Epiphyseal fractures are serious because: A. Bone marrow is lost through the fracture site. B. Normal bone growth is affected. C. Blood supply to the bone is obliterated. D. Callus formation prevents bone healing.

Short answer

Answer: Epiphyseal fractures are considered serious because they can affect normal bone growth.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the epiphysis in a bone

The epiphysis is the rounded end of a long bone. It is an area where growth plates are situated and the bone lengthens as the child grows. Understanding the role of the epiphysis in bone growth will help us evaluate the given options.

Analyze Option A: Bone marrow loss

While bone marrow can be found in the epiphysis, a fracture in this area does not primarily cause significant bone marrow loss. Therefore, Option A is not the main reason epiphyseal fractures are considered serious.

Analyze Option B: Normal bone growth is affected

As mentioned earlier, the epiphysis is essential for bone growth, especially in children. An epiphyseal fracture can disrupt the growth plates, which could lead to abnormal or hindered bone growth. Thus, Option B is a valid reason as to why epiphyseal fractures are serious.

Analyze Option C: Blood supply obliteration

Although the blood supply to the bone is important, it is not the main reason why epiphyseal fractures are considered serious because the blood supply is not completely obliterated in such cases. So, Option C can be ruled out.

Analyze Option D: Callus formation prevents bone healing

Callus formation is a normal part of the bone healing process and does not prevent bone healing. In fact, it is an essential step in the process. Therefore, Option D is not the correct answer.

Final Answer

Based on the analysis above, the correct reason why epiphyseal fractures are considered serious is Option B: Normal bone growth is affected.