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Kids Health Info

Buckle fracture

  • Key points

    • A buckle fracture is a minor fracture to a bone – usually in the wrist or forearm.
    • The bone bulges out but does not break completely.
    • Buckle fractures often happen when a child puts their hand out to break their fall.
    • With rest and pain-relief medicine, your child’s fracture should heal within a few weeks. Supports such as splints will not speed up the healing process.

    What is a buckle fracture?

    A buckle fracture is a minor injury to a bone – usually in the wrist or forearm. It is a type of compression fracture, meaning it happens when there is sudden pressure on the bone. This pressure makes part of the bone bend a little but not break completely.

    Children can get buckle fractures because their bones are softer and more flexible. Fortunately, growing bones tend to heal faster with less treatment and fewer problems than bones of older children and adults.

    Fracture care: buckle fracture

    What causes buckle fractures?

    Buckle fractures often happen when a child puts their hand out to break their fall. The impact on the hand can cause the wrist or forearm bone to bend or bulge.

    While buckle fractures are most common in the wrist, they can happen to other bones in the body.

    Signs and symptoms of a buckle fracture

    If your child has a buckle fracture, the affected bone may be:

    • Painful to move
    • Tender
    • Slightly swollen.

    The overall shape of their wrist or forearm will still look normal.

    Younger children may avoid using their arm but not show any other signs of pain.

    How to care for a buckle fracture

    See a doctor

    You should see a doctor or another health professional if you think your child has a buckle fracture. They will usually order an X-ray to check that it is not a more serious injury.

    Fracture healing

    Most of the time, buckle fractures heal well without a cast or splint – these supports will not speed up the healing process or help to control pain.

    Speak with the doctor if you want your child to wear a splint, bandage, or sling. These options will require special care. For example, you will need to remove a splint for bathing and check the skin at least once a day for rubbing or pressure sores.

    Care at home

    In most cases, buckle fractures do not cause much pain. Any discomfort usually settles within a few days with rest and simple pain-relief medicine.

    • Give your child pain-relief medicine if the fracture is causing them pain.
    • Encourage your child to rest their arm.
      • They should avoid contact sports or rough play for four weeks.
    • Your child’s doctor may suggest a sling or splint to protect the injury, but they are not usually required.
      • Splints can cause problems with the skin due to rubbing and pressure. If your child has a splint, you should remove it at least once a day to check the skin for redness or irritation.

    When to get help

    See a doctor or health professional if:
    • the treatment you are giving your child is not working as you expect.
    • your child looks unwell or is lethargic (low energy).
    • your child’s cough has been present for more than four weeks.
    • your child’s cough is not getting better, it is getting worse, or it is interfering with daytime activities and/or sleep.

    Look after your child at home if:
    • they are getting better and their pain and swelling is improving.
    • pain-relief medicine helps their pain.

    Common questions about buckle fractures

    How long do buckle fractures usually take to heal?

    Buckle fractures tend to heal within a few weeks. Your child should still avoid high-impact activities for four weeks after their injury.

    Will my child need follow-up appointments after a buckle fracture?

    There is usually no need for any follow-up appointments after a buckle fracture. They tend to heal without any problems, as the fracture is small and the bone does not move out of its usual position.

    Will the buckle fracture area always be weaker?

    Your child’s bone will be weaker for three to four weeks after a buckle fracture. Then, it should regain strength without any ongoing problems. If your child wears a splint for a wrist injury, their wrist may be a little stiff for a few days after it is removed.

    How long should my child avoid sports after a buckle fracture?

    It is best for your child to avoid high-impact sports for four weeks. They can try low-impact activities, such as walking, if their pain allows.

    Can my child go to childcare or school if they have a buckle fracture?

    Your child can go to childcare or school with a buckle fracture as long as they are not in pain.

    Can my child swim with a buckle fracture?

    It is safe for your child to swim with a buckle fracture if they are not in pain. They will just need to avoid any high-impact activities. For example, they should not hit the wall hard after swimming a lap.

    For more information

    Call an ambulance (000) immediately in an emergency.


    Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency department, with input from the Orthopaedics department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

    Reviewed October 2026


Disclaimer

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.

Updated July 2025

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