Which type of fracture is characterized by being a "buckle fracture" and does not disrupt the opposite side of the bone?

A "buckle fracture," also known as a torus fracture, occurs when one side of the bone compresses and bulges outward, rather than breaking completely through. This type of fracture is commonly seen in children, whose bones are softer and more pliable compared to adult bones. The unique characteristic of a torus fracture is that it does not disrupt the cortex on the opposite side of the bone, making it a stable injury. The absence of a complete break across the bone allows for effective healing without the typical complications associated with more severe fractures.

In the context of other fracture types: an occult fracture refers to a fracture that is difficult to detect on initial X-rays and does not specifically represent the incomplete nature of a torus fracture. A comminuted fracture involves the bone breaking into multiple pieces, which is distinctly different from the localized buckling of a torus fracture. An impacted fracture occurs when one bone fragment is driven into another, again indicating a full break rather than the incomplete nature of a buckle fracture. This makes the torus fracture distinct in both its presentation and healing dynamics.