What are the Salter-Harris classifications?

Evaluation

  • Salter I (Slipped) This is when the fracture line extends through the physis or within the growth plate.
  • Salter II (Above) These are when the fracture extends through both the physis and metaphysis.
  • Salter III (Lower)
  • Salter IV (Through/Transverse)
  • Salter V (Rammed/Ruined)

How long does a Salter-Harris fracture take to heal?

Healing usually takes about 4-6 weeks, at which time it will be safe for your child to return to sports and activities. It is very rare for a Salter-Harris I fracture to cause problems with the growth of the distal fibula (less than 1% of fractures).

Which type of Salter-Harris fracture is most common?

Type 2. This fracture occurs when the growth plate is hit and splits away from the joint along with a small piece of the bone shaft. This is the most common type and happens most often in children over 10. About 75 percent of Salter-Harris fractures are type 2.

Which type of the Salter-Harris fracture is most commonly encountered and which part of the bone is involved?

Type II is the most common type of Salter-Harris fracture and refers to a bone fracture through the growth plate and part of the metaphysis.

What is the most common type of Salter-Harris fracture?

What happens when a child breaks their growth plate?

Growth plate fractures often need immediate treatment because they can affect how the bone will grow. An improperly treated growth plate fracture could result in a fractured bone ending up more crooked or shorter than its opposite limb. With proper treatment, most growth plate fractures heal without complications.

How do you manage a Salter-Harris fracture?

Treatment for all types of these fractures typically involves rest, application of ice, and elevation of the limb. Regarding further treatment, type I and II may require only setting the fracture and stabilizing it with a cast or splint, while type III and IV may require surgery to set the bones.

At what age do growth plates close?

Growth plates usually close near the end of puberty. For girls, this usually is when they’re 13–15; for boys, it’s when they’re 15–17.

Where do Salter-Harris fractures occur?

A Salter-Harris fracture is an injury to the growth plate area of a child’s bone. The growth plate is a soft area of cartilage at the ends of long bones. These are bones that are longer than they are wide. Salter-Harris fractures can occur in any long bone, from fingers and toes, to arm and leg bones.

How long does it take to recover from a fractured growth plate?

How long does it take to recover from a growth plate injury? With proper care, the vast majority of growth plate injuries heal without complication. This will typically involve a few weeks or months in a cast, depending on the location and severity of the injury.