Which statement correctly describes Thurston-Holland sign?

Which statement correctly describes Thurston-Holland sign?

• A. It is a radiographic sign for a triangular metaphyseal fragment in Salter-Harris type II fractures
• B. It is a sign of tibial plateau fracture
• C. It is a sign of avascular necrosis
• D. It is a sign of osteoporosis

Answer: (A)

Thurston-Holland sign is a radiographic clue for a Salter-Harris type II fracture. In this injury, a fracture line passes through the growth plate and the metaphysis, creating a triangular piece of metaphysis that becomes displaced. On X-ray, this small triangular metaphyseal fragment—the Thurston-Holland fragment—is seen near the physis, perched between the epiphysis and metaphysis. Its presence supports the diagnosis of a Salter-Harris type II fracture rather than other injury patterns. It’s not a sign associated with tibial plateau fracture, avascular necrosis, or osteoporosis, which have different radiographic appearances.

Thurston-Holland sign is a radiographic clue for a Salter-Harris type II fracture. In this injury, a fracture line passes through the growth plate and the metaphysis, creating a triangular piece of metaphysis that becomes displaced. On X-ray, this small triangular metaphyseal fragment—the Thurston-Holland fragment—is seen near the physis, perched between the epiphysis and metaphysis. Its presence supports the diagnosis of a Salter-Harris type II fracture rather than other injury patterns. It’s not a sign associated with tibial plateau fracture, avascular necrosis, or osteoporosis, which have different radiographic appearances.