Your child falls off their bike, gets hurt during a game or lands awkwardly on their hand. Their wrist hurts, but they can still move it. Can it still be broken? Yes.
Wrist fractures are one of the most common injuries I see in kids, and they aren't always easy to recognize.
If my child can move their wrist, can it still be broken?
Yes. Being able to move the wrist doesn't mean it isn't broken. You may also hear me use the word “fracture,” which is simply a medical term for broken bone.
Because kids' bones are still developing, they're more flexible than adult bones. This means they can bend or buckle rather than break all the way through, which is called a buckle fracture, also known as a torus fracture.
So I wouldn't use movement as your only test for whether your child's wrist is OK. There are a few other things to watch for. Is there swelling or bruising? Is there a specific spot that's really tender? Are they avoiding using that hand or arm? Does it still hurt even when they're resting?
How do I know if my child needs an X-ray?
Not every bump or fall needs an X-ray. But if your child has noticeable swelling or bruising, isn't using their wrist normally, or the pain isn't getting better, it's worth having them checked.
When I see a child with a wrist injury, I focus on where they have the most pain, how the injury happened and how well they can move and use their arm. If I suspect a fracture, an X-ray can help us see if the bone is broken and what type of break it is.
And if the injury is recent, as in 10 days or less, you can walk right in or book a same-day orthopedics appointment in Hartford, Westport, Farmington, Glastonbury or Danbury.
At Connecticut Children’s, all of our pediatric orthopedic locations have X-ray services on site, designed just for kids with low-dose radiation and machines fit for their growing bodies.
Wrist Injury? We're Here When You Need Us
Connecticut Children's offers walk-in and same-day orthopedic appointments for recent injuries at locations across Connecticut
If it's fractured, does that mean my child will need surgery?
In most cases, no. Many wrist fractures in kids can be treated without surgery.
Treatment depends on the type of fracture, where the break is and your child's age. Some fractures can heal and correct themselves as kids grow, while others may need more treatment. Many can be treated with a brace, splint or cast to protect the wrist while the bone heals.
The important thing is figuring out what type of fracture your child has so we can choose the right treatment.
When should I bring my child in?
You don't need to know if your child's wrist is broken before bringing them in. That's something I can help figure out.
If your child continues to have pain, swelling or trouble using their wrist or arm after an injury, it's worth bringing them in. I can assess the injury, order an X-ray if needed and help you decide what to do next.