Salter-Harris type III fractures are
an uncommon, intraarticular fracture physeal fractures
that occur in children. The fracture line is often obliquely oriented through the epiphysis to the physis where it will take a horizontal orientation extending to the edge of the physis.
What is a Type III fracture?
Type III:
an open segmental fracture or a single fracture with extensive soft-tissue injury
. Also included are injuries older than eight hours. Type III injuries are subdivided into three types: Type IIIA: adequate soft-tissue coverage of the fracture despite high-energy trauma or extensive laceration or skin flaps.
What is a Salter-Harris fracture?
A Salter-Harris fracture is
a fracture in the growth plate of a child’s bone
. A growth plate is a layer of growing tissue close to the ends of a child’s bone. It’s very important to get this condition diagnosed since it can affect a child’s growth.
What are the 5 types of Salter-Harris fractures?
- Type I is a fracture through the growth plate. …
- Type II extends through the metaphysis and the growth plate. …
- Type III is an intra-articular fracture through the growth plate and the epiphysis. …
- Type IV extends through the epiphysis, the growth plate and the metaphysis.
How are Salter-Harris fractures classified?
The Salter-Harris classification system is a method used to grade fractures that occur in children and involve the growth plate, which is also known as the physis or physial plate. The classification system grades fractures
according to the involvement of the physis, metaphysis, and epiphysis
.
How do you treat a Salter-Harris fracture?
Salter-Harris fractures are usually caused by traumatic injuries and result in symptoms of pain and swelling near the end of a long bone. Diagnosis is often made through a clinical examination and X-ray. Treatment for all types of these fractures typically involves
rest, application of ice, and elevation of the limb.
What type of fractures are open?
Open fracture
(compound fracture):
The bone pokes through the skin and can be seen. Or a deep wound exposes the bone through the skin. Closed fracture (simple fracture). The bone is broken, but the skin is intact.
How long does it take for a Salter-Harris fracture to heal?
Usually, these fractures heal in
four to six weeks
. The length of time the injury remains immobilized in a cast or sling depends on the particular injury. Your child may need crutches to get around, if the injured limb shouldn’t be weight-bearing while it’s healing.
How long does it take for a Salter-Harris type 1 fracture to heal?
Healing usually takes
about 4-6 weeks
, at which time it will be safe for your child to return to sports and activities. It is very rare for a Salter-Harris I fracture to cause problems with the growth of the distal fibula (less than 1% of fractures).
What is a Salter-Harris type 4 fracture?
Salter-Harris type IV fractures are relatively uncommon injuries that occur in children. They are intra-articular injuries in which the fracture extends through the epiphysis, across the physis and through the metaphysis. Salter-Harris fractures are a
group childhood injuries where a fracture involves the physis
.
At what age do growth plates close?
Growth plates usually close near the end of puberty. For girls, this usually is when they’re 13–15; for boys, it’s when they’re
15–17
.
Do spiral fractures require surgery?
Most spiral fractures
require surgery and general anesthesia
. Less severe cases, where the bone is not fully separated, may be operated on using local anesthesia. If the two ends of the bone are separated then an open reduction surgery will be necessary.
What is the difference between Smith and Colles fracture?
| Smith’s fracture | Other names Reverse Colles’ fracture, Goyrand-Smith’s | Smith’s fracture | Specialty Orthopedics |
|---|
Do you cast a Salter-Harris fracture?
A
cast or splint
may be used to help prevent movement in the injured area until more treatment is done. Some Salter-Harris fractures take up to 14 days before they can be seen on an x-ray. Your child’s injury may need to be put in a cast or splint if a Salter-Harris fracture is known or suspected.
What are the classifications of growth plate fractures?
The Salter-Harris system classifies growth plate fractures into five groups:
type I, fracture through the growth plate
; type II, fracture through the growth plate and metaphysis; type III, fracture through the growth plate and epiphysis; type IV, fracture through the growth plate, epiphysis and metaphysis, and type V, …
How many Salter-Harris classifications are there?
There are
nine types
of Salter–Harris fractures; types I to V as described by Robert B Salter and W Robert Harris in 1963, and the rarer types VI to IX which have been added subsequently: Type I – transverse fracture through the growth plate (also referred to as the “physis”): 6% incidence.
