Salter-Harris classification

Trauma and orthopaedics

Also known as: Salter-Harris-Klassifikation (Epiphysenfugenverletzung) · Salter-Harris sınıflaması (büyüme plağı kırıkları) · Salter-Harris classification (physeal fractures in children)

What it is for

Classifies fractures that involve the growth plate (physis) of an immature bone by the course of the fracture line through physis, metaphysis and epiphysis.

Classification

CategoryDescription
Type Ifracture straight through the physis; the epiphysis separates from the metaphysis.
Type IIalong the physis, then out through the metaphysis (metaphyseal fragment, Thurston-Holland fragment); the most common type.
Type IIIalong the physis, then out through the epiphysis into the joint (intra-articular).
Type IVvertical line crossing metaphysis, physis and epiphysis (intra-articular).
Type Vcrush (compression) injury of the physis, often not visible on the first radiograph.
MnemonicSALTR: Slipped, Above, Lower, Through, Rammed (crushed).

Source

Injuries involving the epiphyseal plate

J Bone Joint Surg Am 1963;45:587–622 (Salter RB, Harris WR)

Edition
Salter & Harris 1963 (types I–V); later extensions (Rang type VI, Ogden, Peterson) are rarely used
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Summary of the published classification in our own words. Not a substitute for the original publication.

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