Buckle Fractures

Also called: Torus Fracture

What Is a Buckle Fracture?

A buckle fracture is a type of broken bone. Force put on one end of a bone can make the side of the bone bulge out, or buckle, without breaking the bone all the way through.

Who Gets Buckle Fractures?

This type of fracture usually happens in children younger than 10–12 years old. That's because their bones are softer and more flexible than adult bones. So the injury makes the bone bend and buckle, rather than break.

How Do Buckle Fractures Happen?

A buckle fracture usually happens when the bone is compressed (pressed together with force). This can happen, for example, when a child falls onto an outstretched hand to break a fall.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Buckle Fracture?

Someone with a buckle fracture might have:

• pain over the broken bone
• swelling and bruising

They also might not want to use the injured extremity.

Because buckle fractures don’t break through the entire bone, symptoms usually are mild.

How Is a Buckle Fracture Diagnosed?

Health care providers order X-rays if they think a bone is broken. A buckle fracture will look like a bulge on the side of the bone on the X-rays. 

How Are Buckle Fractures Treated?

Health care providers treat most buckle fractures with a splint.