Buckle fractures in pediatric patients are extremely common. It is also extremely common to overtreat these.
If you have a pediatric patient with a non-complicated buckle fracture of the distal radius, a simple splint works just as well and is more preferred over a cast. Studies have demonstrated that home splint removal once symptoms resolve are likely safe in the majority of patients vs. an orthopedic visit.
Often times I will put a child in a simple removable wrist splint with thumb support and have them follow up in 4-6 weeks with excellent results.
