
A torus is the convex portion of the upper part of the base of a Greek column and resembles the appearance of the cortical buckling seen in the "column" of bone which has been fractured in the pattern discussed in this article. History and etymology The fracture resembles the break that results when a supple green branch of a tree is bent and breaks incompletely. The term torus is the Latin word meaning protuberance. Sometimes a cast may be applied, but often a splint is all that is required with a period of rest and immobilization. They are self-limiting and typically do not require operative intervention, although a manipulation may be required if the angulation is severe. In some cases, angulation is the only diagnostic clue They have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit. Subtle deformity or buckle of the cortex may be evident Your child has been treated for an injury to the wrist bone. This most commonly occurs at the distal radius or tibia following a fall on an outstretched arm the force is transmitted from carpus to the distal radius and the point of least resistance fractures, usually the dorsal cortex of the distal radius. citation needed The typical features include: The buckling of cortical bone, which may appear as a small bulge or protuberance in the radius or ulna. The diagnosis of a torus fracture is made from both anterior/posterior and lateral projections. PathologyĬortical buckle fractures occur when there is axial loading of a long bone. Buckle fracturs can be identified by performing a radiograph. There has been a single case report of a torus fracture of the distal radius in an adult 9. In adults, the commonest form of torus fracture by far is a buckle fracture of the ribs. These type of fractures are more common in children, especially aged 5-10 years, due to the elasticity of their bones. Rarely, a torus fracture may refer to the fracture of an oral torus, and there is potential for the two terms to be confused 10. More severe distal radius fractures treated as buckle fractures may be at greater risk for nonunion, malunion, and growth disturbance. However, the terms are often used interchangeably. If you are still experiencing significant symptoms after 2–3 months, please contact your GP or us for further advice.Strictly speaking, a torus fracture refers to a circumferential buckle fracture 7. Buckle (or torus) fractures are most commonly seen in the distal radial metaphysis and are a result of compressive forces from an axial load on softer bones. Your child will not use their wrist, hand or fingers within 2–3 days of splint being removed.Your child’s wrist remains very painful or swollen.The bone will have a very small fracture, which is so minor that it may be difficult to see on X-ray (Figure 2). Are there any possible complications?Ĭontact the paediatric emergency department your child attended if after three weeks from the injury: The injury affects the radius bone in particular. This is the most common type of fracture in young children. Rough and tumble play and all sports should be avoided for another week. Your child has suffered a buckle fracture of the arm and wrist. Wrist movement may be a little stiff and sore at first. Remove your child’s splint three weeks after the injury. Follow up in fracture clinic is not usually required Since these injuries are stable and heal quickly, without problems.

Radiographs show a Salter Harris type II (SH II) distal radius fracture ( Fig. A buckle fracture can often happen in children because their bones are softer than the bones of an older adolescent or adult. Panel 1: Case Scenario A 12-year-old, right-handed boy with a painful and swollen right wrist visits the emergency department after a fall from his bike. Most children with a buckle wrist fracture experience a broken wrist for life and do have an increased chance of re-fracturing the same spot or other adverse effects. Pain is usually mild and can be managed with paracetamol only. Distal Radius Buckle Fracture What is a buckle fracture of the distal radius The radius and ulna are the two long bones of the forearm, extending from the elbow to the wrist. A distal radius fracture, also known as wrist fracture, is a break of the part of the radius bone which is close to the wrist. We will place your child in a splint to promote bone healing that can be removed for baths or showers only. The story of how it occurred and an examination of your child’s arm will help us diagnose a buckle fracture.Īn X-ray of the wrist is performed so we will be able to see where the bone is broken and if there it is a more serious injury. Children’s bones tend not to fracture completely but buckle instead. What are the symptoms?Ĭhildren present with pain and swelling around the wrist/distal forearm region. It commonly happens after a falling onto an outstretched hand but can also occur after a hyper-extension injury of the wrist. What are the common causes of a buckle fracture? It is a very common fracture in children. It is a minor fracture which heals with minimal intervention. This type of fracture or break is called a buckle or torus fracture.
