About this Information

This page provides advice for parents and carers of children with a buckle fracture. It explains what a buckle fracture is, how to care for the injury, when your child can return to normal activities and when to seek further medical advice.

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What is a Buckle Fracture?

A buckle fracture is a common injury in children.

Children’s bones are softer and more flexible than adult bones. Instead of breaking completely, the bone bends and develops a small bulge, known as a buckle fracture.

The good news is that buckle fractures:

• Heal quickly.
• Have a very low risk of further injury.
• Do not usually cause long-term problems.

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Looking After the Injury

Wear the Splint

Your child has been given a wrist splint to:

• Protect the injured wrist.
• Make it more comfortable.
• Reduce the chance of further injury.

The splint should be:

• Worn day and night for three weeks.
• Removed only for washing.

If your child removes the splint before three weeks and is comfortable using their arm normally, there is no need to force them to continue wearing it.

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Pain Relief

It is normal for the wrist to remain sore for a short time.

You can help manage your child’s pain by giving appropriate doses of:

• Paracetamol.
• Ibuprofen.

Always read and follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or speak to your pharmacist if you are unsure.

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Recovery

Most buckle fractures heal very well.

After three weeks:

• Remove the splint.
• Encourage your child to begin using their arm normally.
• Some mild stiffness or soreness is normal.

If needed, the splint can be worn for short periods to provide comfort while your child regains confidence using their wrist.

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Returning to Sport

Your child should avoid:

• Sport.
• PE lessons.
• Rough play.
• Activities with a risk of falling.

These activities should be avoided for six weeks after the injury to reduce the risk of re-injury.

Once your child is comfortable and pain free, they can gradually return to their usual activities.

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When to Seek Further Advice

Most children do not need another appointment.

However, contact your GP if, after three weeks:

• The wrist remains very painful.
• Swelling has not improved.
• Your child is unwilling to use their arm normally.

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Our Urgent Care Services

Our Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres provide treatment for urgent minor injuries and illnesses.

No appointment or referral is needed.

Bristol Urgent Treatment Centre

Minor injuries and illnesses

Open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week

South Bristol NHS Community Hospital
Hengrove Promenade
Hengrove
Bristol
BS14 0DE

Telephone: 0300 124 6260

Yate Minor Injury Unit

Minor injuries only

Open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week

Yate West Gate Centre
21 West Walk
Yate
BS37 4AX

Telephone: 0300 125 6800

Clevedon Minor Injury Unit

Minor injuries only

Open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week

North Somerset Community Hospital
Old Street
Clevedon
BS21 6BS

Telephone: 01275 546852

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Accessible Information

This information is available in a range of accessible formats, including:

• Large print
• Audio
• Easy Read
• British Sign Language
• Other languages

Please contact the service if you need this information in an alternative format.