Salter-Harris fractures

SALTER mnemonic for classification
The mnemonic "SALTR" can be used to help remember the first five types. This mnemonic requires the reader to imagine the bones as long bones, with the epiphyses at the base.

* I - S = Same (or Straight across). Fracture of the cartilage of the physis (growth plate)
* II - A = Above. The fracture lies above the physis.
* III - L = Lower. The fracture is below the physis in the epiphysis.
* IV - T = Through. The fracture is through the metaphysis, physis, and epiphysis.
* V - R = Rammed (crushed). The physis has been crushed.

There are six types of Salter-Harris fractures:

* Type I - A transverse fracture through the growth plate (also referred to as the "physis") : 6% incidence

* Type II - A fracture through the growth plate and the metaphysis, sparing the epiphysis: 75% incidence

* Type III - A fracture through growth plate and epiphysis, sparing the metaphysis: 8% incidence

* Type IV - A fracture through all three elements of the bone, the growth plate, metaphysis, and epiphysis: 10% incidence

* Type V - A compression fracture of the growth plate (resulting in a decrease in the perceived space between the epiphysis and diaphysis on x-ray):1% incidence

* Type VI - Injury to the peripheral portion of the physis and a resultant bony bridge formation which may produce an angular deformity. (Added in 1969 by Mercer Rang.)