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Pediatric Strain versus Fracture
- Due to the fact that tendons are much stronger than the physeal growth plate in pre-pubescent children, one should be extremely cautious when diagnosing a strain/sprain.
- Pre-pubescent pediatric patients should be treated as if they have a Salter Harris I fracture with an appropriate splint and close follow up.
Review of Salter Harris Fractures
- A fracture through the physeal growth plate. Typically can not be seen on x-ray unless they growth plate is widened.
- A fracture through the physeal growth plate and metaphysis.
- A fracture through the physeal growth plate and epiphysis.
- A fracture through the physis, physeal growth plate and metaphysis.
- A crush injury of the physeal growth plate.
Please click here for a pictorial of Salter Harris Fractures from FP Notebook.