Buckle Fracture

A fracture in which one side of the bone bends, but does not actually break. Torus fractures normally heal on their own within a month with rest, although they can cause soreness and discomfort.

Buckle fractures are unique to childhood because of the weakness of the immature mineralization of the bone. When compressive force is placed on a tubular bone's long axis, the axial stress on the bone causes a buckling reaction.

Diagnosis of the buckle fracture is made based on an x-ray.

The x-ray should visibly show that one side of the bone has buckled against the other without causing a complete break. Buckle fractures sometimes are confused with greenstick fractures, which result from the same impact but break on the opposite side of compression and not completely through

Treatment of a buckle fracture

Treatment of a buckle fracture usually requires a soft cast. This serves to both promote healing by keeping the bone stable and reduce swelling to relieve pain. With proper treatment a buckle, or torus, fracture should heal within three weeks. Return to activity should always be cleared by a doctor.