Interventions for isolated diaphyseal fractures of the ulna in adults

Abstract

Background Isolated fractures of the shaft of the ulna, which are often sustained when the forearm is raised to shield against a blow, are generally treated on an outpatient basis. Objectives To assess the effects of various forms of treatment for isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft in adults.

Retrospective Analysis Demonstrates No Advantage to Operative Management of Distal Ulna Fractures

“…Despite studies of various non-operative treatment protocols, there is no consensus on the finer points of immobilization and resumption of motion [2–5, 8, 10]. There do not appear to be clear differences in short arm and long arm immobilization [2–5, 8, 10]. Some authors advocate a non-stabilizing dressing [1].…”

“…Nonetheless, traditional orthopedic principles for treatment of displaced or unstable fractures lead many practitioners to address these injuries with operative intervention. This approach is supported by biomechanical models demonstrating an inverse relationship between soft tissue disruption at the fracture site and fracture stability [5]. Previous studies suggest that displacement of the fracture by at least one quarter of the ulna width and/or increasing angulation correlate with delayed healing and poorer outcomes using non-operative management, lending credence to the recommendation of operative intervention with these patients [1, 4, 11, 12].…”

“…Other groups have demonstrated rapid progression to union with non-operative interventions [1, 2, 5]. If successful, non-operative treatment avoids the morbidity of surgical incisions, implanted hardware and the possibility of a second surgery for removal of the hardware.…”

Results of 70 consecutive ulnar nightstick fractures

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IntroductionIsolated ulnar shaft fractures (IUSFs) are uncommon [1,2], and they can result from low-energy [3,4] and high-energy mechanisms of injury [5][6][7][8][9][10]. The ulna and radius form a functional unit [11]; therefore, malangulation in isolated ulnar fractures can lead to functional limitation of the forearm [12,13].

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Travmatik distal ulna ve sigmoid çentik sorunları

“…[1] İzole kırıkları direkt travma ile daha sık olarak erkek hastalarda görülür ve insidansı 100.000'de 4-20 arasındadır. [2] Birçok yazar ulnar stiloid kırıklarında konservatif tedavi ile başarılı sonuçlar alındığını belirtmiştir. [3][4][5] Diğer taraftan distal radyoulnar eklem (DRUE) instabilitesine neden olan distal ulna kırıkları için ek müdahaleler gerekmektedir.…”