Which type of Salter Harris fracture is most common?

The most common type of Salter-Harris fracture is indeed Type 2. This classification system, which categorizes fractures that involve the growth plate (physis) of a long bone in children and adolescents, describes fractures based on their relationship to the growth plate and metaphysis.

Type 2 fractures are characterized by a fracture that extends through the physis and involves a portion of the metaphysis. This configuration is commonly seen because the metaphysis is a site where stresses and impacts occur during activities, leading to higher incidences of injury in this area. As Type 2 fractures are relatively simple and primarily involve the physis, they can often heal without significant complications, making them a frequent occurrence in pediatric patients.

The other types of Salter-Harris fractures are seen less frequently, as they involve more complex configurations, such as those that include the joint surface or fracture lines that extend through both the metaphysis and physis. Understanding the prevalence of these fractures is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning in pediatric sports medicine.