Common Symptoms Of A Salter-Harris Fracture

Salter-Harris fractures are cracks or breaks in a child's bones near, through, or along the growth plate, also called the physis or epiphyseal plate. Growth plates are actually a zone or region of increased cellular activity in the long bones of children. It is where the vast majority of length is added to a long bone in a growing child. Due to the high rate of cellular activity occurring at the epiphyseal plate, they are sensitive areas and must be respected in all musculoskeletal injuries. Salter-Harris fractures make up fifteen percent of youth fractures and the vast majority, an estimated thirty-three percent, of these fractures are due to sports. Fractures in these areas are dangerous because they may impede or interfere with proper growth or joint motion. Get to know the symptoms of Salter-Harris fractures now.

Bone Displacement

It is recommended to have any suspected fracture in a child evaluated at the emergency room or doctor's office. Salter-Harris fractures are more dangerous and should prompt this response even quicker due to severe possible consequences. How does one determine whether an injury could be a Salter-Harris fracture? First, assess the injury. Remember, one-third of all growth plate injuries occur as a result of a sports injury. Also, look at the site of injury. Bone displacement consists of any irregularity in the appearance of the area of injury that is not strictly swelling. In some cases, the bone will appear crooked, and at other times, the bone may even pierce the skin. Any protrusion of the bone through the soft tissue and skin indicates a compound fracture and requires immediate surgical intervention.

Keep reading to reveal the next symptom of a Salter-Harris fracture now.