X-ray of fractures

Author: Mikael Häggström

By location

• X-ray of hip fractures

Classification

On projectional radiography ("X-ray") in general, the main types of misalignment of a fracture are:

• Displacement
• Angulation
• Distraction (making bone longer)
• Impaction or shortening
• Rotation

Growth plate fractures

Growth plate fractures are also called Salter-Harris fractures.

SALTER mnemonic for classification

File:SalterHarris.svg

Salter-Harris fracture types

The mnemonic "SALTER" 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 = Slip (separated or straight across). Fracture of the cartilage of the physis (growth plate)
• II – A = Above. The fracture lies above the physis, or Away from the joint.
• III – L = Lower. The fracture is below the physis in the epiphysis.
• IV – TE = Through Everything. The fracture is through the metaphysis, physis, and epiphysis.
• V – R = Rammed (crushed). The physis has been crushed.

• Salter Harris 1 demo(1).jpg

  Salter–Harris I fracture of distal radius.

• Salter Harris 2 demo.jpg

  Salter–Harris II fracture of ring finger proximal phalanx.

• Salter Harris 3 demo.jpg

  Salter–Harris III fracture of big toe proximal phalanx.

• Salter Harris 4 demo.jpg

  Salter–Harris IV fracture of big toe proximal phalanx.

Report

If no signs of trauma are seen, it is generally appropriate to negate skeletal damage and dislocations, with the latter word also excluding joint dislocations.

Mild misalignment can often be described simply as such. On the other hand, if it is close to having an impact on orthopedic care, or generally for more severe misalignment, it is more appropriate to specify it in distance or angle. Because geometric magnification makes absolute distances less certain, they displacement should be compared to the thickness of the cortex or bone where feasible.