Fracture, Torus (Buckle)

Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Incomplete fractures occur in children because of the unique relative plasticity of their bones. Longitudinal compression of the bone can cause the spectrum of incomplete fractures in children including bowing, torus, greenstick and stress factures. A torus fracture represents a fracture through one cortical surface that may involve the cortex in a focal area or encircle the bone completely.

Pathology:
Not applicable

Imaging Findings:
Buckling of the cortex involving one or both sides of the bone. May be very subtle and require multiple radiographic projections to localize. Look for disruption of the normal trabecular pattern. In the torus radial fracture the pronator fat plane which is located posterior to the flexor digitorum profundus tendons and anterior to the pronator quadratus muscle is displaced in 98% of cases.

DDX:

• Not applicable

References:
See References Chapter.

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See related Provider Topics Bones, Joints and Muscles, Fractures or Injuries and Wounds.

See related Patient Topics Bones, Joints and Muscles, Fractures or Injuries and Wounds.

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