What exactly are Salter Harris Fractures?

When it comes to having fractures of the bones, many people will have at least one in their lifetime.  In fact, many people may even have multiples along with broken bones.  However, one type of fracture that is very common for younger people to get is Salter Harris Fractures.
Many times when people have a fractured bone, they right away assume that it is a normal fracture; however, what many people do not know is that there are many different types of fractures.  In fact, some of the different types are spiral fractures, wrist fractures, pelvic fractures and Salter Harris Fractures.

When it comes to knowing about different fractures many people only know about the common fractures.  However, when people have children it is very important for them to know about other types of fractures as well; especially when it comes to Salter Harris Fractures.  Salter Harris Fractures are fractures that are most commonly seen in young adults or kids that are going through adolescences; through the teenage years.
Despite the fact that Salter Harris Fractures are most commonly known to happen to teenagers, it is very important to know that there are six different types of Salter Harris Fractures; not just one.  Salter Harris Fractures are fractures that usually take place on a growth plate (which are unique for many pediatric patients).  Because there are several different types of fractures, some of the types of fractures have been categorized because of its involvement with physis (which occurs during the years of being a teenager).  Therefore, before any type of treatment can be done on the fractures, it must be figured out which type of fracture it is.  Also, if the fracture is bad enough and it goes until the bone growth is complete; it is no longer considered a Salter Harris Fracture.

As for the different types of Salter Harris Fractures, the first type is known as a transverse fracture; which is through the growth plate.  The second type is a fracture that has gone through a growth plate and metaphysis; which spares the epiphysis.  The third type of fracture is through the growth plate and also the epiphysis; and spares the metaphysic.  The fourth type of fracture is a fracture that is through the growth plate, metaphysic, epiphysis (which are the elements of the bone).  The fifth type of fracture is a compression fracture that has occurred to the growth plate (which is a decrease in space between the diaphysis and epiphysis).  The last type of fracture is an injury that occurs to the peripheral portion of physis which can cause a bony bridge that can cause an angular deformity.

No matter what type of fracture it is that you have, if you have a fracture, it is very important that you get it taken care of properly; even if it just hurts a little!  If it is not properly taken care of, the fracture will not heal properly and may cause discomfort for the rest of your life!