Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty
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Buckle Fracture - Child

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What has happened?

  • Your child has a buckle injury, which means there is a small area of compressed bone in the wrist
  • This type of break is common in children, and normally heals well without an operation

What should I expect?

  • Their wrist may be tender, swollen, and painful to move
  • They will be placed in a removable cast or a wrist brace by the Emergency Department (ED) staff, which they should keep on for 3 weeks.

What should I do?

  • The cast or splint can be removed whilst they are bathing and showering
  • If it is more comfortable they can also keep their arm in a sling
  • If your child seems to be in pain, they should be given simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen)
  • After three weeks in a removable cast or splint it can be removed. Their wrist may be slightly sore and stiff initially.

What should I not do?

  • Your child should avoid contact sports and activities (e.g. rugby, trampoline, play fighting) while in the cast or splint, and then for a further 3 weeks after the cast or splint has been removed.

Will I be followed up?

  • You should follow up with your GP in 3 weeks to remove the cast/splint. No further x-ray will be required.

What if I have concerns/questions?

  • If your injury is not settling or you are worried about how it is healing, please see your GP - take your ACC form/number with you
  • Please seek medical attention if you experience the following:
    • Increasing severe pain in the arm or hand
    • Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
    • You child still does not use the arm or hand after a few days of the splint or cast has been removed