Salter-Harris physeal fracture

What it is

The Salter Harris classification is used to grade fractures that occur in children and involve the growth plate. The system grades the fracture according to the involvement of the physis, the metaphysis and the epiphysis, and runs from type I to type V.

How it is diagnosed

The five types follow the word SALTER:

• Type I: straight across, the growth plate is separated.
• Type II: above the growth plate.
• Type III: lower or below the growth plate.
• Type IV: two, or through the growth plate.
• Type V: erasure of the growth plate, or crush.