A 12 year-old boy fell while playing basketball. The physician explained that the head (epiphysis) of the femur was separated from the shaft (diaphysis). Although the bone was properly set, by the time the boy was 16 it was apparent that the injured lower limb was shorter than the normal one. Explain why this difference occurred.

The result of the injury had led to the separation of the head (epiphysis) from the shaft (diaphysis) at the epiphyseal plate. This is commonly called cartilage. Due to the above, the epiphyseal plate which is the site of bone elongation must have been affected by the injury, and so the damage done to can hinder bone elongation, leading to a shortened limb.

For better understanding let's explain what the related terms means

Epiphysis is commonly known as two ends of a long bone. it does have cancellous bone

Cartilage are simply called connective tissue usually found where two bones meet and it also reduces friction

From the above we can therefore say that the answer The result of the injury had led to the separation of the head (epiphysis) from the shaft (diaphysis) at the epiphyseal plate. This is commonly called cartilage. Due to the above, the epiphyseal plate which is the site of bone elongation must have been affected by the injury, and so the damage done to can hinder bone elongation, leading to a shortened limb. is correct

Learn more from

https://brainly.com/question/18367274