It is important to note that wrist fractures are accountable for most cases of fractures that occur among children. A buckle fracture or torus fracture is a specific type of wrist fracture that only occurs during childhood. Take note that this is considered as the common wrist fracture among children.
The long bones in the forearm develop from growth plates that are situated close to the end. These growth plates are non-calcified cartilage areas in which the manufacturing of bone takes place and where the support cells are dividing rapidly. It is important to note that the growth plates appear as a clear area that extends across the bone on the X-ray results. The bones grow in length and width from the growth plates, which is not considered as strong as the regular bone.
Anatomy of the wrist
The wrist is comprised of the two long bones – ulna and radius. The radius is situated under the thumb while the ulna lies on the exterior part of the forearm. The small carpal bones move throughout the ulna and radius in order to allow the wrist to turn in a backward and forward manner and from side to side. Turning the hand rotates the radius around the ulna close to the elbow. Healthcare professionals refer the palm side of the wrist as the volar surface while the upper side of the wrist is called as the dorsal surface.
What is a buckle fracture?
Buckle fractures usually occur once a child falls on an extended hand. Children who sustained this injury usually complain of wrist pain and refusal to use the affected arm. The child can pinpoint the area of the wrist as the most painful. Take note that the affected arm is not apparently deformed.
When it comes to a torus or buckle fracture, the forearm bones basically press in order to create a buckle or bump on the dorsal surface of the bones which can be seen in an X-ray. The opposite side of the bone appears normal.
What are fractures similar to buckle fractures?
There are several types of wrist fractures that can occur among children. The greenstick fractures can trigger the bone to bend on the opposite side. A Galeazzi fracture of radius has both sides of the bone broken and the ulna can end up moved. Both of these fractures can have fracture ends displaced or end up out of proper alignment. The growth plate fractures or Salter fractures go through a part of the forearm growth plate.
Treatment
When it comes to buckle fracture, the affected arm can be placed in a cast for 3-6 weeks. Nevertheless, some doctors might prefer to splint the wrist. If you want to learn more about splinting, read here. As the bones of the child grow, they remodel. Within a year, there is no indication of a previous injury to the forearm bones.