Narrative:

While established at cruise; FL340; with smooth ride and ATC reporting the same; we encountered a momentary jolt; three quick bumps with no greater intensity than moderate chop. We suspected wake turbulence from a passing aircraft above. It was a surprise to both crew members as the passing aircraft was shown on TCAS as 5;000 ft above our cruising altitude. The fasten seatbelt sign was off and no notification of crossing traffic was given by ATC. The aircraft did not suffer any loss of altitude or upset attitude; and at no time was any strain felt against my lap belt. The ride was smooth and there were no adverse ride reports. Approximately 1 hour later the lead flight attendant notified the cockpit that a passenger claimed to have suffered a broken toe. Later; I was learned that the passenger was resting his foot on part of either the sidewall or aft end of the armrest from the seat in front of him. Upon sensing the quick jolts of the aircraft; he quickly withdrew his foot striking the structure. The lead flight attendant reported to me that the passenger mentioned it might have been his (the passenger's) fault for the injury. The passenger claimed he injured his right foot; first toe; and the top of his right foot. The passenger was given an aspirin. A volunteer medical professional was summoned and a doctor responded. The doctor advised that all that could be done was to elevate the foot; apply ice as necessary and administer ibuprofen. After consultation with dispatch and [medical personnel]; it was determine safe to continue. Paramedics were summoned to the aircraft and subsequently met the passenger.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An A320 Captain reported encountering wake vortex that resulted in moderate chop. A passenger complained of a broken toe as a result of the event.

Narrative: While established at cruise; FL340; with smooth ride and ATC reporting the same; we encountered a momentary jolt; three quick bumps with no greater intensity than moderate chop. We suspected wake turbulence from a passing aircraft above. It was a surprise to both crew members as the passing aircraft was shown on TCAS as 5;000 FT above our cruising altitude. The fasten seatbelt sign was OFF and no notification of crossing traffic was given by ATC. The aircraft did not suffer any loss of altitude or upset attitude; and at no time was any strain felt against my lap belt. The ride was smooth and there were no adverse ride reports. Approximately 1 hour later the Lead Flight Attendant notified the cockpit that a passenger claimed to have suffered a broken toe. Later; I was learned that the passenger was resting his foot on part of either the sidewall or aft end of the armrest from the seat in front of him. Upon sensing the quick jolts of the aircraft; he quickly withdrew his foot striking the structure. The Lead Flight Attendant reported to me that the passenger mentioned it might have been his (the passenger's) fault for the injury. The passenger claimed he injured his right foot; first toe; and the top of his right foot. The passenger was given an aspirin. A volunteer medical professional was summoned and a doctor responded. The doctor advised that all that could be done was to elevate the foot; apply ice as necessary and administer ibuprofen. After consultation with Dispatch and [medical personnel]; it was determine safe to continue. Paramedics were summoned to the aircraft and subsequently met the passenger.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.