What is commonly found in a torus fracture compared to a greenstick fracture?

A torus fracture, also known as a buckle fracture, is characterized by a bulging of the cortex of a bone without breaking through it. This type of fracture typically occurs in children, who have softer and more pliable bones. The cortex bulges outward due to the compression applied to the bone, but the integrity of the outer surface remains largely intact.

On the other hand, a greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture that occurs when one side of the bone bends and fractures while the other side stays intact, resembling a twig that is partially broken but not completely severed. This results in a situation where there is one fracture line rather than a bulging cortex.

The presence of a bulging cortex in a torus fracture distinguishes it from a greenstick fracture and highlights the nature of the injury, which is less severe compared to complete breaks through the cortex. This understanding is critical in pediatric emergency medicine, where the differentiation between these types of fractures can impact management and treatment decisions.