Which classification describes growth plate (physeal) injuries in children?

Which classification describes growth plate (physeal) injuries in children?

• A. Gustilo-Anderson classification
• B. Salter-Harris classification
• C. Weber classification
• D. Lauge-Hansen classification

Answer: (B)

Growth plate injuries in children are described by the Salter-Harris system, which classifies injuries based on how the fracture traverses the growth plate, adjacent metaphysis, and epiphysis. This system helps predict outcomes and guide treatment. Type I is a fracture through the growth plate itself, often with minimal or no visible displacement and generally good growth potential preserved. Type II extends through the growth plate into the metaphysis, creating a metaphyseal fragment; this is the most common and usually heals well with proper alignment. Type III goes through the growth plate into the epiphysis and joint space, risking joint surface disruption and growth disturbance, so precise reduction is important. Type IV passes through the metaphysis, growth plate, and epiphysis, crossing the joint and carrying a higher risk of growth disturbances, requiring accurate reduction. Type V is a crush injury of the growth plate, which can be subtle initially but may lead to growth arrest over time. Other classifications mentioned refer to different injury patterns: Gustilo-Anderson for open fractures with soft-tissue damage, Weber for certain ankle fractures, and Lauge-Hansen for mechanism-based ankle fracture classification.

Growth plate injuries in children are described by the Salter-Harris system, which classifies injuries based on how the fracture traverses the growth plate, adjacent metaphysis, and epiphysis. This system helps predict outcomes and guide treatment.

Type I is a fracture through the growth plate itself, often with minimal or no visible displacement and generally good growth potential preserved. Type II extends through the growth plate into the metaphysis, creating a metaphyseal fragment; this is the most common and usually heals well with proper alignment. Type III goes through the growth plate into the epiphysis and joint space, risking joint surface disruption and growth disturbance, so precise reduction is important. Type IV passes through the metaphysis, growth plate, and epiphysis, crossing the joint and carrying a higher risk of growth disturbances, requiring accurate reduction. Type V is a crush injury of the growth plate, which can be subtle initially but may lead to growth arrest over time.

Other classifications mentioned refer to different injury patterns: Gustilo-Anderson for open fractures with soft-tissue damage, Weber for certain ankle fractures, and Lauge-Hansen for mechanism-based ankle fracture classification.