DefinitionIntermediate
What are the five types of Salter–Harris fractures and how do they differ from each other?
The five types of Salter–Harris fractures are: Salter I (separation of the growth plate), Salter II (fracture across the growth plate with a fragment of metaphysis), Salter III (fracture across the growth plate extending into the epiphysis), Salter IV (fracture through the epiphysis and part of the diaphysis), and Salter V (crush injury damaging both the epiphysis and metaphysis). Each type varies in severity and the specific anatomical structures involved.
Key points
- Salter I: Growth plate separation, no metaphysis or epiphysis involvement.
- Salter II: Fracture across growth plate with a metaphysis fragment attached.
- Salter III: Fracture extends into the epiphysis.
- Salter IV: Fracture traverses epiphysis and part of diaphysis.
- Salter V: Crush injury affecting both epiphysis and metaphysis.
Source:Medical Imaging for the Health Care Provider: Practical Radiograph Interpretation· Basic Interpretation of Long Bone—Lower Extremity Radiographs· p. 134–157
Related questions
Medical Imaging for the Health Care Provider: Practical Radiograph Interpretation
Campo, Theresa M., DNP, FNP-C, ENP-BC, FAANP
Springer Publishing Company, LLC