Torus (Buckle) Fracture Discharge Advice

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Follow us on Twitter @NHSaaa Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nhsaaa Visit our website: www.nhsaaa.net All our publications are available in other formats What has happened? Your child has sustained a torus fracture, also known as a “buckle” fracture, of the and/or (the long at the wrist). The “buckles” on one side rather than actually breaks and is commonly seen in children as their bones are soft and flexible.

Will my child need a cast? Torus fractures heal well without any long-term complications. They do not require any operations or to be placed in a cast. However, using a wrist splint provides comfort and reduces the risk of further injury. It should be worn at all times but can be removed for washing and showering without any risk to the fracture. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen can also be used to reduce discomfort.

How long should my child wear the splint for? In general, the older the child is, the longer they will need to wear the splint. We recommend that children under five years old should wear the splint for one week, those age five to ten years should wear it for two weeks and those over ten years should wear it for three weeks. If your child removes the splint before this time but is comfortable and moving their wrist freely then there is no need to insist that they wear the splint for longer. However, if your child is still sore and reluctant to use their wrist when the splint is removed, then you 2 may reapply the splint. Do this for short periods only as well as using painkillers and encouraging them to use their wrist.

When can my child return to their usual activities? Even when wearing a splint your child is at risk of further injuring their . Therefore we recommend that your child avoids all activities that could cause this for six weeks following the injury. This includes sports as well as play (for example running, jumping, climbing).

Will we be given a follow-up appointment? Under most circumstances we do not need to see your child again. However, if you have any concerns (for example, your child’s wrist is very sore or swollen during or after using the splint) then please call the Emergency Department secretaries. They will be able to offer you a review appointment at the paediatric trauma clinic, which is run by consultants from the Emergency Department. They can be contacted by telephone: • University Hospital Crosshouse  01563 827751/827762 or • University Hospital Ayr  01292 614758/614615 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Outwith these times you can contact the Emergency Department via the main switchboard and receive advice: • University Hospital Crosshouse  01563 521133 or • University Hospital Ayr  01292 610555 3 We are happy to consider requests for this publication in other languages or formats such as large print.

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Call: 01563 825856 Email: [email protected]

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Last reviewed: August 2020 Leaflet reference: MIS16-135-CC PIL code: PIL17-0160