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Growth plate injuries: Salter-Harris classification.
1Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
American Family Physician
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Childhood growth plate fractures can cause permanent deformity. The Salter-Harris classification system helps predict prognosis and potential growth disturbances from these unique pediatric injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Growth plate fractures are unique childhood injuries.
- While most heal without issue, some lead to growth arrest and deformity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the Salter-Harris classification system for growth plate fractures.
- To highlight its role in estimating prognosis and growth disturbance potential.
Main Methods:
- Review of the Salter-Harris classification system.
- Description of the five types of growth plate fractures.
Main Results:
- The Salter-Harris system categorizes injuries into five types (I-V).
- Each type represents a different fracture pattern involving the growth plate, epiphysis, and/or metaphysis.
- Type V involves a crush or compression injury.
Conclusions:
- The Salter-Harris classification is crucial for managing pediatric growth plate fractures.
- It provides a framework for understanding injury patterns and predicting outcomes.