Injury to the growth mechanisms of the immature skeleton.

A new classification scheme of physeal and epiphyseal injuries is proposed. This is based partially on the Salter-Harris system, but additionally details subclassifications that relate to specific injury patterns. Furthermore, four other growth mechanism injury patterns not included in the previous systems are presented. It is hoped that this new, more detailed scheme will further our understanding of physeal/epiphyseal fractures, will aid in radiologic recognition, and will allow better estimation of prognosis for normal or abnormal growth.