IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Salter-Harris type I fracture of distal radius

Case contributed by Leonardo Lustosa
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall onto the outstretched hand while playing football (soccer). Wrist deformity upon physical examination.

Patient Data

Age: 10 years
Gender: Male

Radiographs revealed a slipped epiphysis of the distal radius with dorsal displacement, in keeping with a Salter-Harris type I physeal fracture.

There is also an associated fracture of the ulnar epiphysis.

Case Discussion

The present case is a type I Salter-Harris fracture as there is a translation of the epiphysis without a noticeable fracture line.

Salter-Harris classification is used to describe physeal fractures. The classification can be remembered using the SALTR mnemonic:

  • S: slipped (type I)
  • A: above or away from joint (type II)
  • L: lower (type III)
  • T: through or transverse or together (type IV)
  • R: ruined or rammed (type V)

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.