A Salter–Harris fracture is a fracture that involves the epiphyseal plate or growth plate of a bone. It is a common injury found in children, occurring in 15% of childhood long bone fractures.
- Type I – transverse fracture through the growth plate (also referred to as the " physis "): 6% incidence
- Type II – A fracture through the growth plate and the metaphysis , sparing the epiphysis : 75% incidence, takes approximately 2–3 weeks to heal.
- Type III – A fracture through growth plate and epiphysis , sparing the metaphysis : 8% incidence
- Type IV – A fracture through all three elements of the bone, the growth plate , metaphysis , and epiphysis : 10% incidence
- Type V – A compression fracture of the growth plate (resulting in a decrease in the perceived space between the epiphysis and diaphysis on x-ray): 1% incidence
The mnemonic "SALTER" can be used to help remember the first five types. [10] [11] [12] This mnemonic requires the reader to imagine the bones as long bones, with the epiphyses at the base.
- I – S = Slip (separated or straight across) . Fracture of the cartilage of the physis (growth plate)
- II – A = Above . The fracture lies above the physis, or A way from the joint.
- III – L = Lower . The fracture is below the physis in the epiphysis.
- IV – TE = Through Everything . The fracture is through the metaphysis, physis, and epiphysis.
- V – R = Rammed (crushed) . The physis has been crushed.