Salter-Harris Classification

Salter-Harris fractures are fractures through a growth plate; therefore, they are unique to pediatric patients.
Several types of fractures have been categorized by the involvement of the physis, metaphysis, and epiphysis. The classification of the injury is important because it affects the treatment of the patient and provides clues to possible long-term complications.

* Type I - fracture through the physis (widened physis)
* Type II - fracture partway through the physis extending up into metaphysis
* Type III - fracture partway through the physis extending down into the epiphysis
* Type IV - fracture through the metaphysis, physis, and epiphysis -- can lead to angulation deformities when healing
* Type V - crush injury to the physis