Introduction
This information leaflet should provide most of the information you need about your child’s Buckle (Torus) Fracture of the wrist. Most children can go home safely without needing further fracture clinic visits. If you have concerns or need another appointment, call the fracture clinic using the contact numbers at the end of the leaflet.
What is it?
Buckle fractures, also known as torus fractures, are common injuries in children due to the flexibility of their bones. This type of fracture occurs when one side of the bone bends, raising a little buckle, without breaking the other side. It typically happens in the wrist when a child falls on an outstretched hand.
How is it treated?
Treatment usually involves treatment in an elastic bandage, as this allows the bone to heal naturally. A splint or cast is not normally required. The healing process for buckle fractures is generally quick, with most children recovering fully within a few weeks. Some swelling, pain, or discomfort is normal for a short period.
Keep the immobilised area dry and clean to prevent skin irritation or infection. It can be removed safely for bathing or showering without risk to the fracture.
Does my child need pain relief?
Use appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain. If there are any concerns about excessive pain, contact the fracture clinic.
How long will it take to recover?
The bandage (or splint/cast if given) can be safely removed at home when your child is more comfortable, and they can resume normal activity after 3 weeks. Your child may be reluctant to move or use the arm in the first week, but this usually resolves quickly. Appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen may help with any pain. You may notice some mild deformity in the wrist, but this reduces with time as the bone grows and remodels. This injury will not affect future function of your child’s arm.
Children older than 11 years may have some permanent residual deformity of their arm but this does not normally affect the function.
Do exercises and physiotherapy help?
The period of healing is short, and stiffness is not normally a problem. Specific exercises are not normally required. Your child may be reluctant to use the arm for a few weeks but will eventually start to use the arm normally.
When can my child return to normal activity?
The elastic bandage (or cast/splint if given) can be removed once your child is more comfortable and they can resume normal daily activity. Activities such as contact sports or PE at school can be resumed after 6 weeks.
Does my child need follow-up?
Your child does not normally require follow-up. If you are worried that your child is still experiencing pain or stiffness for a prolonged period, then please contact us using the numbers below.
Contact
If you have any queries or concerns then please contact the hospital for further advice.
Between the hours of 9:00am and 4:30pm contact the fracture clinic on:
Scunthorpe: 03033 302164
Grimsby: 03033 306127
Goole: 03033 304036
Out of hours – then please contact the Emergency Department via switchboard:
Scunthorpe/Goole: 01724 282282
Grimsby: 01472 874111
Any Comments, Compliments, Concerns or Complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at [email protected]
NHS Website
NHS website is a health information service. The aim is to support the public to become active consumers of healthcare rather than passive recipients, and to help individuals, their family or carers to make more informed choices: https://www.nhs.uk/
Review information
Date of Issue: December 2025
Review Issue: December 2027