This is a specific type of fracture that occurs in children's bones
Healing
This normally takes approximately 4-6 weeks to heal. It is normal for it to continue to ache a bit for a few weeks after this
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; this will be changed to a soft cast in plaster room which can then be removed at home after 6 weeks (instructions below).
Follow up
Normally we do not follow up patients with this type of injury as they heal well. If after 6 weeks your child still has significant pain or swelling please contact us using the details listed below.
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. removing the cast.
Caring for your injury Week 1-6
Cut the cast off with normal scissors Cut the cast and slide the arm out
If it is too difficult to cut the cast
Soak the cast for 10 minutes in a basin of water or in the bath as part of bath time. Then unroll the cast.
Find the end of the roll of the cast and unroll the coloured strip. This may need a few tugs as it will be sticky - this will not affect the healed fracture. Keep wrapping till there is no coloured bandage left, then slip off any padding. The bandage and padding can be thrown away in a normal bin.
Frequently asked questions
My child reports their cast feels too tight. What do I do?
Make sure they are elevating their arm enough to keep the swelling down. Check that they are still able to wriggle their fingers and they are a good colour. If you are worried about their hand circulation or need more advice contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic Team or Plaster Room. There number is: 01903 205111 extension 85445.
My child’s symptoms have changed. What do I do?
If they have any of these symptoms, please get in touch:
- Increasing joint pain
- Increasing swelling with difficulty to bend the fingers/thumb
- Hypersensitivity to touching the skin
- Shiny/red skin
- Increased hair growth on skin
- A sensation of the hand not belonging to you When can my child return to sport?
When can my child return to sport?
There is a small increased risk of injury for up to 12 weeks, however most children can return to full sports at 4-6 weeks post injury. Non-contact sports e.g swimming can be stared as soon as your child is comfortable.
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