• BACKGROUND
    • The presence of growth plates at the ends of long bones makes fracture management in children unique in terms of the potential risk of developing angular deformities and growth arrest.
  • MATERIALS AND METHODS
    • We discuss three distinct cases depicting various aspects of physeal injury of the lower extremity in children.
  • RESULTS
    • The case illustrations chosen represent distinct body regions and different physeal injuries: Salter-Harris II fracture of the distal femur, Salter-Harris VI perichondrial injury of the medial aspect of the knee region, and Salter-Harris III fracture of the distal tibia. The clinical presentation, pertinent history and physical findings, imaging studies, management, and subsequent course are presented.
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • Growth plate injuries of the lower extremity require a high index of suspicion and close monitoring during skeletal growth. Early recognition and proper management of these injuries can minimize long term morbidity. The treatment plan should be individualized after a comprehensive analysis of the injury pattern in each patient. Establishing a long term treatment plan and discussing the prognosis of these injuries with the child's caretakers is imperative.