Which radiographic finding is classic for a torus fracture in a child?

Which radiographic finding is classic for a torus fracture in a child?

• A. Wrinkling or bump on the distal radius
• B. Complete fracture line through the cortex
• C. Displacement of the distal radius
• D. Soft tissue swelling only

Answer: (A)

In children, a torus fracture is an incomplete buckling of the cortex from a bending injury. The classic radiographic sign is a wrinkling or bump on the distal radius cortex where the bone has indented or buckled without a complete fracture line. This cortical buckling reflects the bone’s pliability and the fact that the fracture is incomplete, so there is typically no displacement. In contrast, a visible complete fracture line, or displacement, indicates a different, more severe injury, and soft tissue swelling alone is not specific for a torus fracture.

In children, a torus fracture is an incomplete buckling of the cortex from a bending injury. The classic radiographic sign is a wrinkling or bump on the distal radius cortex where the bone has indented or buckled without a complete fracture line. This cortical buckling reflects the bone’s pliability and the fact that the fracture is incomplete, so there is typically no displacement. In contrast, a visible complete fracture line, or displacement, indicates a different, more severe injury, and soft tissue swelling alone is not specific for a torus fracture.