$wrist torus fracture$

$wrist torus fracture$

$wrist torus fracture$

Wrist Torus Fracture: A Common and Manageable Injury

Torus fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common types of wrist injuries seen in children, accounting for an estimated 500,000 emergency department attendances a year in the UK. These fractures occur when the radius and/or ulna bone buckles, resulting in cortical deformation but no break in the cortex.

Traditionally, patients with torus fractures have been immobilized in a rigid cast or splint to manage pain and prevent complications. However, recent evidence has challenged this approach, suggesting that simpler treatment methods may be just as effective, if not more so.

In a study conducted at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital over a six-week period, patients with torus fractures were either seen in the accident and emergency department or referred from neighboring minor injury units. The patients were immobilized in a rigid wrist splint and advised to wear it for three weeks before removing it. However, they were also cautioned against participating in sports for an additional three weeks.

$wrist torus fracture$

The study aimed to assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial by evaluating the variation in pain scores, symptoms, and engagement with an innovative text service as a data capture tool. The findings will inform the development of future treatment interventions and provide valuable insights into the management of this common injury.

While some proponents of rigid immobilization argue that it maximizes pain relief and minimizes complications, others advocate for simpler treatment methods such as soft bandaging or removable splints. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has also reviewed the available evidence and recommends against the use of plaster casts in the management of torus fractures.

In fact, there is growing consensus that patients with torus fractures can be safely discharged at diagnosis without subsequent follow-up, and that rigid immobilization may not provide additional benefits but does restrict function. Torus fractures are generally low-risk injuries that universally heal well, making them a manageable condition for both children and healthcare providers alike.

Overall, the management of wrist torus fractures remains an area of debate, with variations in practice arising from differences in opinion regarding the best approach to treatment. However, it is clear that a more nuanced understanding of this injury and its management is necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

$wrist torus fracture$

Wrist torus fracture