Buckle Fracture

Buckle Fracture

What is a buckle fracture?

A buckle fracture commonly occurs in children. In children their bones are softer and so can be compressed causing it to crumple or buckle. 

Diagram showing a buckle fracture, arrow points out fracture.

The bones will heal within 2 weeks with no complications or permanent deformity. It can be painful whilst it is healing.

How is it treated?

It is usually done by the use of a splint or occasionally a plaster cast for pain control.

When should the splint be used?

• The splint should be worn throughout the day and the night if there is pain.
• If there is no pain it can be removed at home.
• It can be removed for bathing and washing even if there is discomfort.

Can I give them painkillers?

Sometimes simple painkillers are required as the pain may take several days to settle even with the splint.

When can they return to their normal activities?

Your child can return to school however they should avoid the following for 4 weeks:

• Contact sports and rough play
• High-risk activities such as climbing, cycling and roller-skating.

It is still painful after 3 weeks of using the splint.

If it remains painful then replace the splint and return to our emergency department for further advice

Patient Experience

We know that being admitted to hospital can bea difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback

Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:

Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:

The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

For additional medical advice, if your symptoms or condition worsens: Contact your GP NHS 111:                                                                  Telephone 111 Get help with your symptoms, NHS111:                      https://111.nhs.uk/ Information to help you manage your health:               www.nhs.uk   In an emergency telephone 999

Emergency Department (A&E) Alexandra Hospital Woodrow Drive Redditch B98 7UB   Tel: 01527 512030

Minor Injury Unit Kidderminster Hospital Bewdley Road Kidderminster DY11 6RJ   Tel: 01562 513039

Emergency Department (A&E) Worcestershire Royal Hospital Charles Hastings Way Worcester WR5 1DD   Tel: 01905 760743

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