Salter Harris

SALTER mnemonic for classification

The mnemonic "SALTR" can be used to help remember the first five types.  This mnemonic requires the reader to imagine the bones as long bones, with the epiphyses at the base.

• I - S = Same (or Straight across). Fracture of the cartilage of the physis (growth plate)
• II - A = Above. The fracture lies above the physis, METAPHYSIS. (MOST FREQUENT 75%)
• III - L = Lower. The fracture is below the physis in the epiphysis.
• IV - T = Through. The fracture is through the metaphysis, physis, and epiphysis.
• V - R = Rammed (crushed). The physis has been crushed. (May dx on mechanism alone)