Torus ‘Buckle’ Fractures (broken bone) in Children – Discharge Advice

What is a torus ‘buckle’ fracture?

Your child has suffered a ‘Torus’ or ‘Buckle’ fracture (break) of their wrist. This is the most common type of fracture in young children.

Young bone is still soft and very flexible. For this reason, instead of breaking all the way through, the bone has a small crack or kink on one side only.

What can I do for my child’s pain?

It is important to give your child appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the pain as it will be sore for a short period of time, about a week or two, even after the application of the splint.

You should always follow the instructions and doses given in the leaflet supplied with the medication.

Can my child still wash the area?

The splint can be removed for bathing/showering without risk to the fracture.

How long should the fracture take to heal?

This type of injury heals very well in a simple and easy to apply splint, rather than a plaster which can be quite big. Most of these injuries heal perfectly well if the splint is worn for 3 weeks.

If after 3 weeks the wrist is a little sore and stiff after being used, the splint can be used for comfort. Do this for short periods only. This is because it is best for your child to gently start using the arm as normally as possible after this time.

Give your child painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen when needed, remembering to always follow the instructions and dosages on the medication.

If after 3 weeks the wrist still seems very sore, or is very swollen, or your child is not willing to use it, contact the fracture clinic to arrange follow-up.

If your child removes the splint before 3 weeks and appears to be comfortable using the arm freely, then there is no reason to force them to wear the splint for the full 3 weeks.

It is best to avoid sports and rough and tumble play when wearing the splint and for the week or two after its removal.

Contact numbers

If you have any worries or concerns, please contact:

University Hospital of North Tees

Orthopaedic Outpatients Department
Fracture Clinic

Telephone: 01642 383523
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday, 8:30am to 1pm
Voicemail 24hrs

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

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Telephone: 01642 624719
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Telephone: 01642 617617

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Telephone: 01642 383551

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