What does a Salter-Harris fracture affect?

A Salter-Harris fracture specifically involves the epiphyseal plate, which is also known as the growth plate, in children. This type of fracture is significant as it affects the area responsible for the longitudinal growth of bones. The growth plate is located at the ends of long bones, and a fracture in this region can impact future bone growth, potentially leading to complications such as limb length discrepancies or angular deformities, making this a critical injury in pediatric patients.

Understanding this type of fracture helps emphasize why monitoring and proper treatment are necessary to ensure healthy bone development in growing children.