A buckle fracture is a common type of bone breakage that is found in children and adolescents. The break is when a compression fracture occurs on one side of a bone that makes the other side buckle or bends towards the side that is damaged. Children’s bones are more prone to these types of fractured due to how soft they are and their increased malleability.
When a buckle fracture occurs on the forearm, it is most often located along the radius. This is the one that takes up the space of the inner arm that runs along from the top of the thumb to the inner elbow. Those suffering from vitamin deficiencies, tumors, and calcium deficiencies are more susceptible to suffering a buckle fracture.
There are many risk factors involved when it comes to buckling fractures though there are eight common causes to keep in mind to protect your child.
1. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes the bones to become less dense, and although it can actually occur to almost everyone, regardless of age or sex, it most often occurs in women more than 50 years of age. Some children with certain genetic disorders also may suffer from osteoporosis. One of the major problems with osteoporosis is that it usually isn’t discovered until a bone is fractured or broken.
When you have weak bone, even wearing the wrong footwear can result in a buckle fracture. Though most diseases of the bones occur later in life, there are instances where it can affect children or those under 50. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are both bone diseases caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D.
When the bones lack these essential nutrients they can become brittle and more prone to experiencing buckle fractures. Certain genetic disorders may also cause osteoporosis or osteopenia to develop which may often result in buckle fractures.