A buckle fracture is a common childhood injury that usually occurs during activities like playing or falling. The good news is that it’s not a severe injury and tends to heal quickly because children’s bones grow and recover at a fast pace.
This type of injury is also called an incomplete fracture because it only affects one side of the long bone in the arm or leg. When someone falls on an outstretched hand, it puts pressure on one or both forearm bones, causing a slight bend instead of a complete break. Children’s bones are softer and more flexible than adults’, which is why they don’t usually break all the way in such cases.
The main symptoms of a buckle fracture include swelling, pain, and tenderness in the injured area. It is sometimes referred to as a torus fracture, and kids with softer, less brittle bones are more prone to it. While this type of fracture doesn’t completely separate the bone, it still requires proper care and treatment to ensure proper healing.
### Symptoms
Buckle fractures are more common in children but can occasionally happen to adults. The injury typically causes immediate pain, along with swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the affected limb. It’s essential to protect the injured area for a few weeks to allow it to heal properly.
Using a splint to immobilize the limb and keeping it elevated above heart level can help reduce swelling. Applying heat should be avoided. Since a buckle fracture is a stable fracture, it’s generally less painful than unstable fractures where the bone pieces shift.
In severe cases, you might notice the arm or leg looks abnormally bent. If you see a visible malformation or if the injured area feels extremely tender to touch, it’s likely a buckle fracture. In children, it typically takes around six weeks to heal, but the recovery time may be longer for adults.
If the injury involves a forearm, simple movements like rotating the wrist or elbow can become challenging and painful. For leg fractures, putting weight on the injured area exacerbates the pain and should be avoided as it could worsen the condition.
Like any other injury, a buckle fracture requires prompt medical attention. Diagnosis is typically done through a physical exam and confirmed with an X-ray.
### Causes
A buckle fracture is a type of incomplete fracture where the bone doesn’t break all the way through. Another similar injury is a greenstick fracture, which happens when a bone bends and partially cracks without breaking completely. Both types are more common in kids because their bones are softer and more pliable than adults’ bones.
This injury often occurs after a fall or because of a high-impact activity like sports, biking, or tree climbing. In some cases, living in unhealthy environments, such as those involving child abuse, can also increase the risk. Other factors like poor balance, weakness, or nutritional deficiencies can contribute, especially in children.
In adults, conditions like osteoporosis significantly raise the chances of developing a buckle fracture, as bones become brittle and fragile. Extreme sports or activities with high impact can also increase the risk for adults.
### Risk Factors
Children are more likely to develop buckle fractures than adults due to the softness of their bones, particularly around growth plates, which are made of softer cartilage that hardens into bone as they grow. Kids often get these fractures while playing, engaging in rough activities, or trying out a new sport.
Although adults are less likely to experience buckle fractures, those with osteoporosis or weaker bones, as well as individuals who play extreme sports, are at higher risk.
### Complications
To avoid complications, it’s important to follow the recovery guidelines carefully. If your cast becomes damaged or very wet, you should notify your doctor immediately so they can replace it. Doctors may also recommend follow-up X-rays to ensure the bone is healing properly. If healing isn’t progressing as expected, surgery might be required to realign the bone.
These risks can usually be minimized by adhering to medical advice during recovery.
### Diagnosis
Doctors typically begin diagnosing a buckle fracture with a physical examination of the injury. However, an X-ray is the most reliable way to confirm the fracture, as it provides a detailed view of the bone. In a buckle fracture, the skin remains intact, but the bone bends slightly in the opposite direction of the pressure point.
X-rays are also useful in checking for injuries to nearby joints, determining the break’s location and severity, and assessing any effects on growth plates. If there’s potential nerve damage, doctors may examine the affected limb’s sensation.
### Treatment
Regardless of age, buckle fractures need to be treated promptly. For children—the most frequent victims—parents should ensure they receive immediate medical attention. This quick response, along with children’s naturally faster healing rates, aids in recovery.
The standard treatment for a buckle fracture involves stabilizing the injured area, usually with a cast or splint. A splint is typically used during the initial days of the injury, especially if there’s swelling. Once the swelling reduces, a more durable fiberglass or plaster cast is applied. The cast provides firm support, keeping the bone in place and preventing further injury.
Alternatively, a removable splint may be used, which holds the limb steady but can be taken off during bathing or other necessary activities. For young kids, the healing process usually takes three to six weeks, though this time can be longer as they get older. Adults may require a much longer recovery period.
In more severe cases, where the bone isn’t aligned correctly for proper healing, surgery might be necessary. Under sedation or general anesthesia, surgeons can reset the bone to its correct position. Recovery from surgery usually takes additional weeks before full mobility is restored.
### Recovery Tips
To speed up recovery, it’s crucial to wear the cast or splint as directed. If surgery was performed, extra recovery time will be needed. For arm fractures, a sling can offer support when walking or standing. For leg fractures, avoid putting weight on the injured limb, especially during the initial days. Keep the leg elevated and limit movement to promote faster healing.
As swelling subsides, crutches or a walking boot may help with mobility, but walking should be limited to essential activities. After several weeks of rest, you may be able to resume some activities, but always consult your doctor first. High-risk activities like running, climbing, or sports should be avoided until your doctor gives the all-clear.
For most buckle fractures, hospitalization isn’t necessary. Pain and swelling in the initial days can be managed by elevating the limb and resting it on a pillow. Taking a break from school or work allows you to fully focus on recovery. The duration of rest depends on the injury’s severity and location, so follow your doctor’s advice for a smooth recovery.
### Outlook
With proper treatment and adequate rest, buckle fractures usually heal quickly and without complications. Children, in particular, tend to recover faster, but it’s essential for parents to guide them through the process and prevent them from rushing back into activities. For adults, prioritizing rest and following recovery instructions is important to avoid complications and potential surgery.