Salter Harris Fractures - Pediatric Fractures of the Physis 

SALTR Mnemonic 



Salter Harris I 

Straight through entirety of the physis. May NOT be visible on X-ray. Tenderness along physis on exam-fracture.  If minimally displaced, follow-up with pediatric orthopedics in 7-10 days 



Salter Harris II 

Above the physis into the metaphysis. Most common type of Salter Harris fracture. Displacement dictates treatment. If minimally displaced, follow-up with pediatric orthopedics in 7-10 days 



Salter Harris Ill 

BeLow the physis and into epiphysis. Fracture of the intraarticular space. Higher risk for growth arrest of bone. Requires immediate pediatric ortho consultation and likely referral. 



Salter Harris IV 

Extends Through the epiphysis, the growth plate, and the metaphysis. Fracture of the intraarticular space. Higher risk for growth arrest of bone. Requires immediate pediatric ortho treatment. 



Salter Harris V 

Crush (Rammed) injury of the physis. Can present with normal X-rays. Can obtain opposite limb XR for comparison. Always leads to growth arrest. Requires immediate pediatric ortho treatment. 



Dr. Ashish Shah - https://twitter.com/PEMShahman



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