Salter-Harris fracture
(săl'tĕr-hăr'ĭs 
)
A classification system to categorize growth plate fractures as one of five types based on the mechanism of injury and the relationship of the fracture line(s) to the epiphyseal plate. The original five types of fractures, since expand ed by other specialists, were type I—a transverse fracture across the physis; type II—a fracture through the physis and metaphysis but not the epiphysis; type III—a fracture through the physis and epiphysis; type IV—an intra-articular fracture involving the epiphysis, physis, and metaphysis; and type V—a compression on the epiphyseal plate.
SEE: illus.
I: Fracture extends through the physis, separating the two segments; Common in infants
II: Fracture starts though the physis and ends on the shaft, creating a displaced wedge
III: The fracture line extends perpendicularly through the joint surface and then transversely across the physis, resulting in partial displacement of the segment. Growth of the involved physis may be compromised.
IV: Similar to type III fracture, but the transverse line extends across the physis into the shaft. Surgical fixation is often required and physeal growth may be affected
SALTER-HARRIS FRACTUREV: A crushing injury that compresses the physis. If undetected, avascular necrosis may occur and growth may be inhibited
.