What is Salter-Harris Type I fracture?

What is Salter-Harris Type I fracture?

• A. A fracture through the growth plate (physis) only.
• B. A fracture through the metaphysis and physis.
• C. A fracture through the epiphysis and metaphysis.
• D. A fracture through the growth plate and the epiphysis.

Answer: (A)

Salter-Harris Type I is a fracture that goes through the growth plate (physis) itself, effectively separating the epiphysis from the metaphysis while the surrounding bone remains intact. This injury occurs in children with open physes and may show widening of the growth plate on imaging, but there is no fracture through the metaphysis or epiphysis. It can be treated with immobilization and careful follow-up, though there is a risk of growth disturbances if the physis is significantly disrupted.

Salter-Harris Type I is a fracture that goes through the growth plate (physis) itself, effectively separating the epiphysis from the metaphysis while the surrounding bone remains intact. This injury occurs in children with open physes and may show widening of the growth plate on imaging, but there is no fracture through the metaphysis or epiphysis. It can be treated with immobilization and careful follow-up, though there is a risk of growth disturbances if the physis is significantly disrupted.