Salter-Harris Classification Quiz: Master the Mnemonic

Which Salter-Harris type involves a fracture passing across most of the growth plate and up through the metaphysis?

What percentage of physeal fractures do Salter-Harris type II fractures represent?

Which Salter-Harris type has a fracture plane that passes directly through the metaphysis, growth plate, and down through the epiphysis?

What is the mnemonic to remember the Salter-Harris types?

Which Salter-Harris type involves a fracture plane that passes all the way through the growth plate, not involving bone?

In which Salter-Harris type are the proliferative and reserve zones interrupted due to the fracture?

Salter-Harris Classification

Proposed by Salter and Harris in 1963
Remains the most widely used system for describing physeal fractures as of January 2023

Classification Mnemonic

SALTR mnemonic helps to remember the Salter-Harris types

Salter-Harris Types

Type I

5-7% of fractures
Fracture plane passes all the way through the growth plate, not involving bone
Cannot occur if the growth plate is fused
Good prognosis

Type II

~75% of fractures (most common)
Fracture passes across most of the growth plate and up through the metaphysis
Good prognosis

Type III

7-10% of fractures
Fracture plane passes some distance along with the growth plate and down through the epiphysis
Poorer prognosis due to interruption of the proliferative and reserve zones

Type IV

10% of fractures
Fracture plane passes directly through the metaphysis, growth plate, and down through the epiphysis
Poor prognosis due to interruption of the proliferative and reserve zones

Type V

Uncommon
Fracture plane passes through the growth plate, resulting in a "ruined" or "rammed" appearance
Poor prognosis

Test your knowledge of the Salter-Harris classification system for describing physeal fractures proposed by Salter and Harris in 1963. Learn about the different types of physeal fractures and their characteristics.