The Pediatric Wrist Buckle Fracture is Common

Pediatric Wrist Buckle Fracture

The pediatric wrist buckle fracture is a common broken bone pattern in kids. It is a broken bone that commonly involves the radial bone in the wrist. For instance, the fracture occurs from a fall on an outstretched arm. There may be no noticeable deformity of the arm after a buckle fracture occurs. The arm will be painful to touch and swelling typically occurs. In addition the child may not use the affected arm.

Distal radius fracture buckle fracture

A child with a buckle fracture of the distal radius. The red arrow reveals the fracture

What To Do Next

if you suspect your child may have a broken bone as known as a fracture, it needs to be evaluated by a physician. The first thing to do is to immobilize the arm with something. Get creative : a ruler, large serving spoon , and wrap with an ace wrap .  If this occurs over the weekend, stabilize , then head to your local urgent care center . X-rays will be obtained . After that the diagnosis is made. A buckle fracture is easily seen on plain x-rays. The doctor will then split the fracture. The next step will be to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon for definitive treatmenthttps://louisvillebones.com/

Treatment by the Orthopaedic Surgeon

The orthopedic surgeon will review the x-rays from the urgent care center. Sometimes repeat films are taken. Above all, the arm will be placed into a cast or waterproof removable cast brace. After that the  follow-up is typically one to two weeks after the visit.

Activity after the Bracing or Casting

If the fracture is a buckle fracture, sporting activities are typically resumed in the cast/ cast brace. In addition , the fracture typically takes four to six weeks to heal. Most kids can resume sporting activities as long as they can play immobilized . Similarly, playing a musical instrument and computer use will resume.

Long Term Effects

Buckle fractures do not cause any long term effects. Healing occurs and then the child will have resumption of all activities .