J Korean Fract Soc.  2001 Oct;14(4):739-744.

Salter-Harris Type IV Physeal Fracture of the Distal Radius: A Case Report

• Byun YS
• Kim HT
• Hyun KH
• Nam JM
• Cho YH

Abstract

Physeal fractures in children are the most common in the distal radius. In the distal radius Salter-Harris type II physeal fractures occur predominantly, while type IV physeal fractures are quite rare. For type IV physeal fractures, open reduction and internal fixation are usually indicated to align both the physis and the articular surface. Growth arrest can be developed by premature physeal closure depending on multiple factors, particularly the severity of trauma. We treated a type IV physeal fracture of the distal radius with open reduction and internal fixation in an 11-year-old boy, but growth arrest with gross deformity and painful motion limitation of the wrist occurred. The deformity in external appearance was nearly corrected and symptoms were improved by surgical shortening of the ulna 3 years after injury, and the final result was satisfactory.

Keyword

Distal radius; Salter-Harris type IV; Physeal fracture

MeSH Terms

Child
Congenital Abnormalities
Fractures, Open
Humans
Male
Radius*
Ulna
Wrist