Salter-Harris Fracture
Overview
Salter-Harris fracture refers to an injury to the growth plates of a child’s bone.
The growth plate is an area of soft cartilage located at the ends of long bones. These bones are longer than they are wide. Salter-Harris fractures may occur in any long bone from fingers and toes to the arm and leg bones.
The growth plates are the main area where a child’s bone grows. These areas become solid bones when children reach adulthood.
The growth plates can be damaged by excessive pressure, collisions, and falling. Salter-Harris fractures account for between 15 and 30 percent of bone injuries in children. These fractures are most common in teenagers and children who engage in sports. A Salter-Harris fracture is twice as common in boys than in girls.
It is important to immediately diagnose and treat any Salter-Harris fracture to ensure healthy bone growth.
What are the symptoms?
Salter-Harris fractures are most commonly caused by a fall or injury causing pain. You may also experience the following symptoms:
- Tenderness in the vicinity
- There is a limited range of motion, especially for upper body injuries.
- Inability to carry weight on the lower limb affected by the injury
- The joint may experience swelling and warmth.
- Possible bone displacement or deformity
Types and types of Salter-Harris breaks
Salter-Harris fractures first appeared in 1963 by Robert Salter and W. Robert Harris, Canadian doctors.
There are five types of injury. They differ in the impact on the growth plate and the surrounding bone. Higher numbers indicate a greater likelihood of growth problems.
The physis is the Greek term for the growth plate. It is located between the top of the bone and the bone shaft. The epiphysis is the rounded edge of the bone. The metaphysis is the narrower portion of bone.
Type 1
This is caused by force hitting the growth plate, separating the bone shaft from its rounded edge.
It is more common among younger children. Type 1 fractures account for about 5 % of Salter-Harris fractures.
Type 2
This happens when the growth plate hits the joint and separates from it with a small portion of the bone shaft.
This is the most frequent type. It occurs most frequently in children aged over 10. Type 2 fractures account for about 75% of Salter-Harris fractures.
Type 3
The fracture is caused by a force hitting the growth plate and the rounded portion of the bone. However, it doesn’t affect the bone shaft. The fracture could involve cartilage or enter the joint.
This type is most common after age 10. Type 3 fractures consist of 10%of Salter-Harris fractures.
Type 4
This is caused by force hitting the growth plate, the round part of the bone and the shaft.
Type 4 fractures account for about 10% of Salter-Harris fractures. It can occur at any age and may cause bone loss.
Type 5
This rare fracture is caused by the growth plate being crushed or compressed. Most often, the ankle and knee are affected.
Type 5 fractures account for less than 1% of Salter-Harris fractures. It is frequently misdiagnosed and can cause bone loss.
Other types
Other types of fractures are also extremely rare. These include:
- Type 6 affects connective tissues.
- Type 7 affects the bone’s end.
- Type 8 affects the bone shaft.
- Type 9 affects the fibrous membrane in the bone
How can this be diagnosed?
You should immediately take your child to the doctor if you suspect that they have a fracture. It is crucial to get treatment immediately for growth plate fractures.
The doctor will need to know the exact cause of the injury, any previous fractures and if there was any pain before the injury.
The doctor will likely order an X-ray of this area and possibly the area above and beneath the injury site. The doctor may request an X-ray from the unaffected side to compare the two. The doctor might use a cast to protect the area if a fracture is suspected, but it doesn’t appear on the image. An X-ray can confirm the fracture diagnosis by showing new growth around the area.
