This is a specific type of fracture that occurs in children's bones
Healing
This normally takes approximately 4-6 weeks to heal.
Pain and swelling
Your child may have wrist and hand pain and swelling a few weeks after their injury. Swelling is often worse at the end of the day. Taking pain medication and elevating their wrist will help.
Using their arm
They can keep their fingers, thumb, elbow and shoulder moving to prevent stiffness but they should avoid sport and high impact activities such as trampolines or scooters. The backslab helps pain by keeping the arm still.
Follow up
They will see a specialist about 1 week after the injury.
there is a small chance that this fracture can move therefore we recommend a review often with a repeat x-ray. If you have not received this appointment over the next few days, please contact the virtual fracture clinic.
Any questions
If you are concerned about your child's symptoms or unable to follow this rehabilitation plan please contact the Virtual Fracture clinic team on 01228 814898.
Caring for your injury - Week 0-6
Managing their pain and swelling
Elevate their wrist to reduce swelling regularly for the first few days. Keep their hand high above the level of their heart. If they go out they may wish to continue to use the sling. Once cast is removed: They will be in a cast for about 6 weeks. Once the cast has been removed, they should start the exercises below to help them regain their movement. They can start to resume normal activity but be guided by any pain that they are experiencing.
Once cast is removed: They will be in a cast for about 6 weeks. Once the cast has been removed, they should start the exercises below to help them regain their movement. They can start to resume normal activity but be guided by any pain that they are experiencing.
Wrist flexion and extension
Your child should move their wrist up and down. Repeat 10-15 times.
Contact the virtual fracture clinic if they are struggling to recover their movement or return to activity.
Confidentiality
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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302