Physeal and epiphyseal cartilage injuries

The growth plate is responsible for the longitudinal growth of the long bones. In the trauma of physis, the proliferative layers are involved and growth disturbance may occur. Salter and Harris physeal injury descriptive classification is very simple and repeatable. Five main types of fracture were identified. Salter-Harris types I and II injuries are usually managed by closed manipulation and plaster cast and have lower potential risk of growth damage. Salter and Harris types III and IV injuries are intra-articular and need an anatomical reduction, often requiring open reduction and internal fixation. The occurrence of a growth disturbance depends more on the age at the time of injury than on the anatomical region involved.