Salter and Harris classification of epiphyseal injuries
- Salter and Harris fractures occur through the growth plate
- Therefore they are unique to children
- Classified according to degree of involvement of physis, metaphysis and epiphysis
- Classification is important as it
- Determines treatment
- Determines prognosis
- Type I - Epiphyseal slip - no fracture
- Type II - Fracture through epiphyseal plate with proximal fragment
- Type III - Fracture through epiphysis extending into the epiphyseal plate
- Type IV - Fracture through both epiphysis and shaft crossing the epiphyseal plate
- Type V - Crush injury causing obliteration of the growth plate
Management
- In general the following statements hold true for Slater and Harris Fractures
- Type I involve growth plate but growth is rarely disturbed
- Type II fractures are the most common
- Type III fractures involve the joint and can result in chronic morbidity
- Type III fractures often require surgical treatment
- Type IV fractures can also result in chronic morbidity
- Type V fractures are difficult diagnose and can result in limb shortening
Bibliography
Patterson J M. Children's fractures 'not to be missed'. Hosp Med 2002; 63:
426-428 |