Physeal fracture Salter I fracture 2025-05-03T09:32:30Z A type of physeal (Salter-Harris) fracture in which the fracture line extends through the physis or within the growth plate. Type I fractures are due to the longitudinal force applied through the physis, which splits the epiphysis from the metaphysis. Type I Salter-Harris fracture Beware that a normal radiograph cannot exclude a physis injury in a symptomatic pediatric patient. A radiograph may be normal due to lack of bony involvement, and mild to moderate soft tissue swelling may be noted. Look for the widening of the physis or displacement of the epiphysis, which may suggest a fracture. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, such as the presence of focal tenderness or swelling surrounding the growth plate. Slipped physeal fracture