Buckle fracture of the wrist

Your child has sustained a ‘buckle’ fracture (break) of their wrist. This is the most common type of fracture in young children.

What is a buckle fracture?

Children’s bones are softer and more flexible than adults so instead of breaking all the way through it will often bend on one side rather than break.

This injury is treated like a sprain and does not result in permanent deformity.

Treatment

This type of injury heals very well without treatment such as a splint or plaster.

Your child should avoid sporting activities, physical education and rough play for another 6 weeks to avoid further injury.

Things to look out for

Your child may have some pain in their wrist which will settle over a few days. It may be helpful to ease your child’s discomfort with simple pain killers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. There may also be mild swelling of the affected wrist which will again settle a few days after the accident.

No planned follow up is required but if, your child still has a lot of pain or is not willing to use their wrist then you should contact the Emergency Department.

Buckle fracture