Salter-Harris classification of fractures

TypeFinding
I5%
isolated to growth plate with epiphyseal separation
no adjacent bone fracture
fracture line passes through hypertrophic layer of physis
II75%
fracture splits growth plate, extends into metaphysis, separating a small fragment of bone
secondary to shearing or avulsive forces
seen in children 10-16 years of age
III10%
fracture line passes through epiphysis, then horizontally across growth plate
most common in distal tibia in children 10-15 years of age
IV10%
vertically orientated fracture, involving both epiphysis and metaphysis, crossing growth plate
most common in distal humerus and tibia
V<1%
results from compressive force, crushing the growth plate
can cause subsequent deformity
often diagnosed retrospectively when growth arrest is discovered at a later date