- Pain with movement or use of the injured arm
- Swelling around the wrist
- Often caused by a fall onto an outstretched arm
Distal Forearm Buckle Fractures
Distal forearm buckle fractures are a common type of broken bone in children and youth. The forearm is made up of two bones, the radius and the ulna. Because children often brace a fall with an outstretched arm, and their bones are softer and more flexible than adult bones, buckle fractures can occur near the wrist.
What you need to know
- Buckle (torus) fractures are the most common forearm fractures in children and youth.
- The bone is not fully broken but appears “buckled” on X-ray.
- These fractures heal very well and usually do not require a cast or follow-up appointment.
A buckle fracture is diagnosed with an X-ray of the wrist. The X-ray shows a compressed or buckled appearance along the outer edge of the radius, the ulna, or both bones.
If the X-ray shows a buckle fracture of the radius, ulna, or both, your provider will recommend a removable splint instead of a cast.
- Research at CHEO and other hospitals shows that splints are better than casts for buckle fractures.
- The splint may be made in the Emergency Department using fiberglass or plaster.
- Commercial splints can be purchased at the KidCare pharmacy on the second floor or at other pharmacies that sell home health-care products.
- Removable splints make dressing and bathing easier.
Your child or youth will be fitted with a removable splint or you may purchase one from a pharmacy.
Aftercare / What to do at home
- Pain or swelling is common during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury.
- Pain can be treated with appropriate doses of Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®) as needed.
- Swelling may be reduced by raising the injured arm above the level of the heart.
- The splint should be worn only for comfort.
- Your child or youth can wear the splint less as pain improves and stop using it at any time.
- We recommend that the splint be used for longer than three weeks. Most children stop using it sooner. These types of injuries often take 4 weeks to fully heal; it is important to not engage in activities that are at high risk of reinjury at that time.
Contact your health care provider if your child or youth:
- Has worsening pain or swelling that does not improve
- Is unable to use their wrist or hand after the expected healing period
Go to the Emergency Department if:
- Pain is severe and not controlled with medication
- There is new numbness, tingling, or colour change in the hand or fingers
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Disclaimer
These resources are for educational purposes only. If you have questions, speak with your health care provider. Last updated: June 2026
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