NHS Forth Valley – Child Buckle Fracture

$Wrist fracture$ A buckle fracture is the most common fracture in young children. Young bone is soft and flexible. Instead of breaking all the way through the bone has a small buckle or kink.

This injury heals well in a splint and does not need a plaster cast. The splint should be worn for 3 weeks and can be removed for bathing and showering. Keep the fingers, elbow and shoulder moving.
Over the counter pain killers may ease the pain, always check the label for age appropriate dose.
It is best to avoid sports and ‘rough and tumble’ while wearing the splint and for a week or two after its removal.

Contacts

After 3 weeks, if the wrist is a little stiff and sore the splint can be worn intermittently for comfort. However, it is important to get the wrist moving and return to normal function as soon as possible.
Once the splint is removed regularly exercise the wrist by flexing and extending and turning the palm up and down.

If you require any further advice regarding your child’s injury, or if after 3 weeks the wrist still seems significantly sore, swollen and your child is reluctant to use their hand, please contact fracture clinic on the number below.