Discharge advice following a Torus (buckle) fracture

Only follow this information if a member of Emergency Department staff has referred you to the Virtual Fracture Clinic

• Your child has suffered a torus, buckle, or greenstick fracture (break) of their wrist.

• This is the most common type of fracture in young children.

• Young bone is soft and very flexible. For this reason, instead of breaking all the way through, the bone has a small crack or kink on one side only.

• This type of injury heals very well in a simple and easy to apply splint, rather than a plaster cast.

• Most of these injuries heal perfectly well if your child wears the splint for 3 weeks. However, your child can stop using the splint before 3 weeks if they:

  • appear to be comfortable; and

  • can use their arm freely.

• It is important to give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with their pain. Please read the instructions on the packaging carefully. Their wrist will still be sore for a short time, even after we apply the splint.

• You can remove the splint for bathing / showering without risk to the fracture.

• If after 3 weeks your child’s wrist is still a little sore and stiff after being used, you can use the splint for comfort. Do this for short periods only, as it is best to try to start gently using the arm as normally as possible. Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen, if needed.

• If after 3 weeks your child's wrist is still very sore, swollen, or your child does not want to use it, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. The clinic can arrange a follow-up appointment.

• Avoid sports and rough and tumble play when wearing the splint. Also avoid these activities for a week or two after the splint is removed.

What if I have any questions or concerns?

If you have any worries or concerns, please contact one of the following Virtual Fracture Clinics for advice. The clinic opening times are as follows:

• Emergencies only Monday to Friday - 9am to 12.30pm

• General enquiries Monday to Friday - 12.30pm to 5pm