[New classification of epiphyseal-plate injuries with regard to therapy and prognosis (author's transl)].

In this report a new simple classification of epiphyseal-plate injuries with regard to therapy and prognosis is pointed out. The classification can be used for each epiphysis and will be demonstrated on the injuries of the distal lower leg. Type I: There is complete separation of the epiphysis from the metaphysis without and with a metaphyseal fragment. The prognosis for growth is excellent after conservative or operative treatment. Type II: The fracture which is intraarticular (epiphyseal fragment) and the fracture across the full thickness of the epiphyseal plate and through a portion of the metaphysis needs accurate reduction. The prognosis for growth is good only after open operation. Type III: This relatively uncommon injury results from a very severe crushing force applied through the epiphysis to one area of the epiphyseal plate. The prognosis in this type is decidedly poor. The need for regular follow-up observation in these cases is obvious. At the end the good results of 40 patients after epiphyseal-plate injuries of the distal lower leg are presented.