Torus “Buckle” Fractures – 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, even after the application of the splint.

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 cumbersome plaster. 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 reapplied for comfort. Do this for short periods only, as it is best for your child to gently start using the arm as normally as possible from now on. Give your child painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as per instructions when needed.

If after 3 weeks the wrist still seems very sore, 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 – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday, 8:30am to 1pm
Voicemail 24hrs

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

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Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

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Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]