What is a buckle fracture of the wrist NHS?

A buckle fracture occurs when one side of the bone bends or is compressed but does not suffer a break. The other side of the bone remains intact. Buckle fractures only occur in children as the bones are still immature.

How long does it take a wrist buckle fracture to heal?

Buckle fractures (also called impacted fractures) are a type of broken bone. They’re very common in children under 12, and can almost always be treated with a splint. Your child will not need surgery. Buckle fractures take around a month to heal.

Can you still move your wrist with a buckle fracture?

The bone will have a very small fracture, which is so minor that it may be difficult to see on X-ray. The wrist may be tender, slightly swollen, and painful to move. There is no deformity in the wrist, which means the wrist will not be out of its usual shape.

How do you treat a buckle fracture in the wrist?

A buckle fracture is best treated with a splint rather than a full circular plaster cast. Because the bones are only partially broken, they heal very well within a few weeks with the support and protection that a splint provides.

Is a buckle fracture a break?

What Is a Buckle Fracture? A buckle (or torus) fracture is a type of broken bone. One side of a bone bends, raising a little buckle, without breaking the other side of the bone.

What causes a buckle fracture?

Buckle fractures: These injuries occur when the bone compresses and is therefore considered a “compression” injury. 1 The side of the bone under compression crunches down upon itself causing the bone to crumple on just one side of the bone.

Do they cast a buckle fracture?

In most cases, a buckle fracture is treated with a splint and cast. A splint is usually put on first, which keeps the limb in place for the first few days until the swelling goes down. However, if there is no or minimal swelling, a cast may be applied immediately.

Do you need surgery for a buckle fracture?

Treatment generally involves placing the injured forearm in a splint or short cast for three to four weeks to provide support, reduce pain, and prevent re-injury. With a buckle fracture, the bone isn’t out of position or broken off, so it’s unlikely that your child will need surgery.

Does a buckle fracture require a cast?

The most common treatment for a buckle fracture is cast immobilization, but the reality is that even a cast is typically not necessary. Simply protecting the injured bone will often lead to effective healing. Once the bone is healed, injured children can resume normal activities.

What does a buckle fracture feel like?

The most common symptoms of a buckle fracture are pain and swelling. 3 Seldom is there any actual deformity, although if there is a lot of swelling the extremity may look slightly deformed. Other signs of a buckle fracture may include: Pain with pressure or movement.

How does a kid get a buckle fracture?

A buckle fracture usually happens when the bone is compressed (pressed together with force). This can happen, for example, when a child falls onto an outstretched hand.