Master Salter-Harris Fracture Classification with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

A fracture of the physeal hypertrophic zone, with no involvement of the growth zone. Any issues with growth and development from this kind of fracture are rare. The width of the physis will be widened slightly and the child will often present with pain at the site of the epiphyseal plate.

The most common type and is “Above” the growth plate involving the metaphysis and physis without involving the epiphysis. Minimal shortening of the limb is possible with Type 2 injuries and any future functional issues are rare.

This involves a hypertrophic fracture of the physis which extends into the epiphysis. This kind of fracture compromises the growth plate and can lead to chronic disability, though deformities are still rare with Type 3’s. Surgery is often required to repair a Type 3 Salter-Harris fracture before it can cause growth and development issues.

A fracture of the epiphysis, metaphysis and physis which can result in chronic disability. If left untreated, it can also lead to premature focal fusion of the joint and thus joint deformity.

This refers to a compression or crushing injury of the epiphyseal plate due to an axial load injury. It is associated with growth retardation of the affected limb and has a poor functional prognosis. Diagnosis is often difficult.