Type I Fractures The bone has broken through the growth plate, but no shift of the bone has occurred. The fracture is often not visible on an X-ray.
These generally heal well. The bone remains aligned and often no surgery is required.
Treatment entails cast immobilization.
Type II Fractures There is a break through part of the bone at the growth plate and a crack through the bone shaft.
The most common type of growth plate fracture, these fractures generally heal well, though surgery may be required in some cases.
Cast immobilization is required.
Type III Fractures There is a break through the bone at the growth plate, separating the bone end from the bone shaft and completely disrupting the growth plate.
May result in arrested growth and requires surgical treatment.
Often treated with internal fixation to ensure proper alignment.
Type IV Fractures These cross through a portion of the growth plate and break off a piece of the bone end.
More common in older children, these fractures do not continue across the bone but angles down rather and breaks the bone end - because the center of the growth plate has begun to harden.
These types of fractures are treated with surgery and internal fixation to ensure proper alignment of both the growth plate and the joint surface.
Type V Fractures There is a break through the bone shaft, the growth plate, and the end of the bone.
These fractures commonly result in arrested bone growth.
They are treated with surgery and internal fixation.
Type VI Fractures Similar to Type V Fractures, these fractures also entail missing bone pieces - as a result of a trauma involving a piece of machinery or gunshot.
These types of fractures break the skin (open) or have multiple breaks (comminuted).
They require initial surgery for repair and fixation. Additional reconstructive or corrective surgery may also be needed.
