Salter-Harris type III fracture

Case contributed by Yahya Baba
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Trauma to the left foot.

Patient Data

Age: 11 years
Gender: Male
x-ray
  • fracture through the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe that is oblique in orientation with an associated fracture through the physis

  • the metaphysis is unremarkable

  • another fracture with the same features involving the base of the distal phalanx of the great toe

  • comminuted fracture of the head of the epiphysis of the proximal phalanx

Case Discussion

Radiographic features of a Salter-Harris fracture type III.

It can be challenging differentiating this from a cleft epiphysis, a normal variant. Fractures normally demonstrate signs of healing in 2-3 weeks while the cleft remains until fusion of growth plate.

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