My husband was a radiologist - and I, myself, worked in radiology for more than 30 years. Yes - I have heard of a Salter Harris fracture.
I remember typing Salter type I through Salter type V fractures a million times on x-ray reports.
I have seen a lot of these fractures on films - but, probably won't be too good at describing them.
First I think the Salter type I - Salter type II --- etc. designates which part of the bone is fractured - it describes the type of fracture and where it's at.
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Here goes - in our body, we have what are called long bones - in our arms and in our legs.
Of course, a little child is short and so these bones aren't very long -- but as we age - these "long bones" grow (they become longer and we become taller).
Our actual growth takes place at the end of these bones -
Basically, a Salter fracture is when the growth areas (the ends) of these bones is fractured.
Children often have fractures in these areas - these are common fractures
**** You need to be a little extra careful with these fractures with children and young dogs - because they get their growth from these areas. And if they don't mend well - there can be some stunted or disfigured growth (one leg shorter than the other, for instance).
I think these fractures should be taken care of quickly - because young children and pups heal quickly (on their own - and you want these fractures stabilized and aligned before they start healing).
*** I am sure a lot of vets (who work with broken bones) have had a lot of experience with these types of fractures. I certainly would think that your vet can either take care of this - or he will refer you to someone who can.
Hope this helps a little.....
Carol Jean |