X-ray of fractures
Author:
Mikael Häggström [notes 1]
Contents
By location
Classification
On projectional radiography ("X-ray") in general, the main types of misalignment of a fracture are:[1]
- 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
The mnemonic "SALTER" can be used to help remember the first five types.[2][3][4]
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
- See also: General notes on reporting
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.
References
- ↑ . Introduction to Trauma X-ray. Radiology Masterclass. Retrieved on 2018-07-03.
- ↑ Davis, Ryan (2006). Blueprints Radiology . ISBN 9781405104609. Retrieved on March 3, 2008.
- ↑ . Salter-Harris Fractures. OrthoConsult. Retrieved on 5 February 2017.
- ↑ Tidey, Brian. Salter-Harris Fractures. Retrieved on March 3, 2008.
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