Salter-Harris Classification of Physeal Fractures
Classification of growth-plate (physis) fractures in children (Salter & Harris 1963). Higher type = greater risk of growth arrest, deformity, and need for operative fixation.
Score interpretation
→ Closed reduction (if displaced) and immobilisation. Above-knee/elbow cast typical 4–6 weeks. Outpatient orthopaedic follow-up at 6–12 months to monitor for late growth disturbance.
→ Anatomical reduction essential — usually open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with smooth K-wires or screws across metaphysis (avoiding physis). 6–12 month follow-up with serial X-rays for limb-length and angular deformity.
→ Often diagnosed retrospectively. Cast immobilisation + non-weight-bearing. Long-term orthopaedic follow-up (~2 years) with growth assessment; epiphysiodesis or limb-lengthening may be required for sequelae.
Interpretation bands for the Salter-Harris. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Minoxidil · Direct vasodilator / hair-growth stimulator
- Pegvisomant · Growth Hormone Receptor Antagonist
- Somatropin (Recombinant Human Growth Hormone) · Growth Hormone Replacement
- Somapacitan · Long-acting growth hormone analogue
- Melatonin · Melatonin Receptor Agonist
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) · Vitamin K (clotting factor cofactor)
- Hip Fracture Management · NICE CG124 / BOA 2020
- Distal Radius Fracture · BOA / NICE
- Ankle Fracture Management · BOA / Lauge-Hansen classification
- Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression · NICE CG75 2020
- Open Fracture Management · BOA/BAPRAS 2017
- OrthoPath: Upper Limb ED Triage · OrthoPath ED Tool — ReviseMRCEM.com
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.