TraumaChildhood
Physeal (Growth Plate) Fractures
Fractures involving the growth plate, classified by the Salter-Harris system, carrying a risk of growth disturbance.
Presentation
- Point tenderness over the physis after injury
- Higher Salter-Harris grades carry greater growth-arrest risk
Imaging & Workup
- Radiographs classified Salter-Harris I–V
- Comparison views or advanced imaging if subtle
Treatment
Closed reduction
Most low-grade injuries with immobilization.
Anatomic ORIF
Displaced intra-articular (SH III–IV) fractures.
Clinical Pearls
- Salter-Harris V is often diagnosed retrospectively after growth arrest
- Counsel families on follow-up for limb-length and angular deformity