Lightning Learning: Buckle Fractures
“Buckle or Torus fractures are a common type of forearm fracture seen in children between the ages of five and ten.”
What?
Buckle or Torus fractures are a type of common forearm fracture in children between the ages of five and ten.
They affect the distal radius metaphysis often due to a fall on an outstretched hand. Due to the elasticity in paediatric forearms, injuries usually result in an incomplete fracture with a bulge that is evident on a radiograph (see diagram).
The reason for this is due to compression of the trabecula.
How?
These fractures are not normally followed up as they are treated with a wrist support (splint). The support should be worn day and night for 3 weeks (but it can be removed for washing). After the 3 weeks the support is removed and not required. Sports and rough play should be avoided for a total of 6 weeks to avoid further injury.
The child should be encouraged to use the wrist as normal. Any pain should settle after a few days.
Further Reading:
- Children's ED (UHL): Buckle fracture pathway
- Children's ED (UHL): Buckle fracture advice leaflet
- Radiopaedia: Torus fracture
