The most common presentation of a Salter-Harris fracture is localized joint pain following a traumatic event (e.g., collision, crush injury, or fall). The patient may present with swelling around the joint in addition to focal tenderness over the physis. If the injury occurs in the upper extremity, the patient may complain of a limited range of motion. If the injury involves a lower extremity, the patient may be unable to bear weight on the affected side. It is important to note that symptoms may mimic ligamentous injury, and there potentially may be positive findings on ligamentous laxity tests. Therefore, one must be cautious to avoid misdiagnosing symptoms as related to joint tissues alone.

Salter-Harris fractures include a classification system that allows providers to risk stratify injuries. Ranging from I to V, lower numbers are less severe and have less of a propensity for growth abnormalities. .[7][8][9][10]

Salter I (Slipped) 

This is when the fracture line extends through the physis or within the growth plate. Type I fractures are due to the longitudinal force applied through the physis which splits the epiphysis from the metaphysis. Beware that a normal radiograph cannot exclude a physis injury in a symptomatic pediatric patient. A radiograph may be normal due to lack of bony involvement, and mild to moderate soft tissue swelling may be noted. Look for the widening of the physis or displacement of the epiphysis, which may suggest a fracture. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings such as the presence of focal tenderness or swelling surrounding the growth plate. An example is Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE).

Salter II (Above)

These are when the fracture extends through both the physis and metaphysis. These are most common and occur away from the joint space.

When the small corner of the metaphysis is visible, this is known as a corner sign or Thurston-Holland fragment.

Be careful in using the terms proximal and distal to describe the extension, because the position of the physis is relative to the metaphysis and is not fixed. If the proximal end of the bone is involved, the physis is proximal to the metaphysis, so this extends distally from the physis into the metaphysis. If it involves the distal end of the bone, the physis is distal to the metaphysis, so this extends proximally from the physis into the metaphysis.

Salter III (Lower)

This is an intra-articular fracture extending from the physis into the epiphysis. If the fracture extends the complete length of the physis, this type of fracture may form two epiphyseal segments. Since the epiphysis is involved, damage to the articular cartilage may occur. One example of this is a Tillaux fracture of the ankle, which is a fracture of the anterolateral aspect of the growth plate andepiphysis.

Salter IV (Through/Transverse)

This is also an intra-articular fracture, in which the fracture passes through the epiphysis, physis, and metaphysis. As this fracture involves the epiphysis, the articular cartilage may be damaged. An example of this isa Triplane fracture at the ankle which has the following three components:

• Vertical component through the epiphysis
• Horizontal component through the growth plate
• Oblique component through the metaphysis.

Types III and IV fractures each carry a risk for growth retardation, altered joint mechanics, and functional impairment. They therefore both require urgent orthopedic evaluation.

Salter V (Rammed/Ruined)

This fracture type is due to a crush or compression injury of the growth plate. In type V, the force is transmitted through the epiphysis and physis, potentially resulting in disruption of the germinal matrix, hypertrophic region, and vascular supply. Though Harris-Salter V fractures are very rare, they may be seen in cases of electric shock, frostbite, and irradiation. As this fracture pattern tends to result from severe injury, these typically have a poor prognosis leading to bone growth arrest.

Be aware that it can be radiographically occult, and thus the radiograph may appear normal. This may be diagnosed retrospectively once growth arrest has occurred.One should consider the possibility of type V in a symptomatic child with a normal radiograph in an appropriate setting. Nevertheless, there may be evidence of physeal widening, which may be a potential clue to the presence of displacement. Anteroposterior and lateral views may be necessary to delineate the fracture type properly, and of course, imaging of the opposite, unaffected extremity for comparison.

Salter-Harris I and II fractures can be treated with closed reduction and casting or splinting. The reduction should be performed carefully to avoid damage to or grating of the physis on any metaphyseal bone fragments.[11][12][13]

Salter-Harris III and IV fractures usually require open reduction and internal fixation (avoiding crossing the physis).

Salter V fracture diagnosis may be delayed unless there is a high degree of clinical suspicion and often the diagnosis is not made at the initial presentation. An emergent orthopedic consultation should be obtained if the fracture is recognized. As these fractures involve the germinal matrix, they have a potential for growth arrest.

In all cases, a reexamination in seven to ten days is necessary to monitor proper reduction and healing. This is also important to determine whether any complications, such as growth arrest, have occurred. If clinically indicated, an additional follow-up radiograph at six and 12 months may be obtained to reassess for any growth arrest.

The complications include growth arrest with potential for deformity and limb length discrepancy. An entrapment of periosteum within the fracture is a rare complication which requires an MRI scan.  Beware that entrapped periosteum can prevent a complete reduction of the fracture.

While many times fractures may be missed on X-ray imaging, it is important to keep a high suspicion paired with good clinical exam skills to detect these injuries. Muscle sprains and tendon injuries are common diagnoses that are easy to blame if a fracture is not detected on imaging. 

Overall, the prompt detection of these fractures leads to a favorable prognosis, provided the fractures are treated immediately. Whether it be close follow up and pain control or orthopedic evaluation and surgery, the long-term outcome of treated fractures is successful. 

As stated previously, many complications may arise if Salter-Harris fractures are not detected and treated promptly. Most notably, further injury and growth restriction are serious outcomes that will severely impact a child's life. It must also be mentioned that prolonged pain and mobility restriction are side effects of delayed treatment. 

As all post-visit care for injuries goes, Salter-Harris fractures are not very different. Resting the injured joint with elevation and pain control are key. When patients return for evaluation weeks and even years after the initial injury and/or treatment, it is important to conduct a proper physical exam including strength testing, limb length discrepancies, and range of motion. 

Early closure or fusion of the physis leads to growth disturbances such as deformity and limb length discrepancies. Complications are usually found when fractures of the distal tibia and distal femur are involved.

When the closure of only a part of the plate occurs, angular deformities may be present.

Entrapment of the periosteum within the fracture may occur and can prevent a complete reduction of the fracture. MRI can identify this.

Fractures are usually encountered by the emergency department physician, urgent care nurse, and the primary care provider. In all but the simplest non-displaced fractures, one should consult with an orthopedic surgeon prior to discharge. A missed or inappropriately treated Salter-Harris fracture has lifelong implications. Once the patient has been treated, follow up is required to ensure that healing is taking place.  Finally, healthcare providers need to be aware that Salter V fracture diagnosis may be delayed unless there is a high degree of clinical suspicion. Often the diagnosis is not made at the initial presentation. An emergent orthopedic consultation should be obtained if the fracture is recognized in the emergency department. [4][14][15]