Case 2 J. B. is a 13-year old boy who fractured his right arm in a snowboarding accident. An X-ray of the arm reveals a distal fracture that extends through the epiphyseal plate. J. B. has had no previous medical conditions and is otherwise healthy. His fracture requires placement of a surgical pin to reattach the distal bone fragment. After the surgery, the extremity is casted.

1. Of what significance is the involvement of the epiphyseal plate in the fracture line?

2. The surgical pin procedure increases the risk for bone infection. How would bone infection be manifested?

3. In the early post-operative period, the extremity may swell within the cast, leading to compression of blood supply and compartment syndrome. How would compartment syndrome manifest and what should be done if it occurs?