Murtumispäähäviö

Murtumispäähäviö, also known as buckle fracture or torus fracture, is a common type of incomplete fracture that occurs in children's bones. It happens when a bone is compressed, causing it to buckle or bend rather than breaking completely through. This type of fracture is usually seen in the long bones of the arms and legs, such as the radius or ulna.

The term "murtumispäähäviö" is derived from Finnish words describing the nature of the injury. It is characterized by a bulging or knob-like deformity on the bone's surface, resembling a torus or donut shape. Unlike a complete fracture, the bone cortex remains intact on one side, which contributes to its stability.

Murtumispäähäviöt typically result from a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct impact to the bone. Because children's bones are more flexible and less ossified than adult bones, they are more prone to this type of injury. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and tenderness at the site of the injury. Deformity may also be visible.

Diagnosis is usually made through X-ray imaging, which clearly shows the characteristic buckling of the bone. Treatment for murtumispäähäviö is generally conservative and involves immobilization of the affected limb, typically with a cast or splint, to allow the bone to heal. These fractures usually heal well with a good prognosis, with children often regaining full function of the injured limb. The flexibility of a child's bone allows it to remodel and correct any minor residual angulation over time.