Definition

A buckle fracture happens when a fracture on one side of a bone causes it to bend or buckle toward the damaged side. They are most common in the radius. This is the larger of the two bones of the forearm.

This problem is more common in children because their bones are soft and more flexible.

Normal Forearm Anatomy Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The most common cause of this problem is falling onto an outstretched hand or extended wrist.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in children who are older than 2 years of age.

Symptoms

The main symptom is forearm or wrist pain, with or without swelling. Other problems may be:

• Bruising
• Numbness and tingling
• Changes in the way the forearm looks
• Problems moving the forearm

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. You will also be asked how the injury happened. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the wrist and forearm.

Images of the arm may be taken. This can be done with:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound

Treatment

It may take up to 4 weeks to heal. Activities will be limited.

The goals of treatment are to ease pain and swelling. Pain relievers can help. Other choices are:

• A cast or splint to keep the bone in line as it heals
• Physical therapy to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion

Children's bones have growth plates that let bones grow and harden with age. A child with a fracture may need to be checked over time to make sure the bone heals the right way and keeps growing.

Prevention

Most fractures are due to accidents. These are hard to prevent.