This leaflet answers common questions about children’s torus or buckle fractures. If you would like further information, or have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nearest clinician.

What is a children’s torus or buckle fracture?

Your child has a Torus or Buckle fracture (break) of the wrist. This is the most common type of fracture in young children. Young bones are 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.

Healing

This type of injury heals very well in a simple and easy to apply splint, or in some cases a soft cast. Most of these injuries heal perfectly well if the splint or cast is worn for 3-4 weeks.

Caring for your injury

It is important to give your child regular doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the pain, as it will be sore for a brief period even once the splint or cast is applied. The splint or cast needs to stay on for three to four weeks, whereby you can remove it at home.

If after removal the wrist is still sore, you can reapply the splint for comfort. Do this for short periods only, as it is best to encourage gentle use of the wrist and arm.

However, if after six weeks the wrist still seems very sore, very swollen or your child is not willing to use it, contact the Fracture clinic to arrange a follow up.

If the child removes the splint or soft cast before three weeks and appears to be comfortable, then there is no reason to make them wear the splint for the full three weeks. It is best to avoid sports and rough play when wearing the splint or cast and for two weeks after its removal.

How can I get a certificate for school? 

You can get a fitness for school statement from your GP or the doctor at your fracture clinic appointment.