Buckle Fracture

Children’s bones are softer than adults and are therefore more likely to bend rather than to break following an injury such as fall on the outstretched hand. This results in a bulge in the bone instead of a complete break, called a buckle or torus fracture. These are the most common wrist injuries in children and heal very quickly with low risk of complications. At first your child will have less movement of their wrist than usual. It will also feel sore.

The bone will heal in 2 to 3 weeks. We have given your child a wrist support (splint) to make it more comfortable during this time. This will also reduce the chance of further injury. The splint should be worn day and night for 3 weeks and should only be taken off for washing. The splint should be kept dry and clean in order to keep its strength and to do its job.

There is no need to seek further advice unless:

• Your child is complaining of more pain despite simple pain relief such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen being given.

• The splint becomes damaged.

In the first few weeks after the splint has stopped being worn, the wrist is still likely to be a little sore and stiff.

Your child should not take part in strenuous or sports activities for a period of 6 weeks for complete healing. If your child is reluctant to use the wrist, please contact the children’s emergency department (phone number below).

Any X-rays taken are looked at by our radiologists. If there is any concern that there may be a more serious injury, you will be contacted and asked to bring your child in for a follow up appointment.