Treatment of Isolated Ulnar Shaft Fractures with Prefabricated Functional Fracture Braces

Results of 70 consecutive ulnar nightstick fractures

“…ROM was rated as full, slightly affected, severely affected, or totally stiff, as modified from Anderson et al [17]. Furthermore, the results were classified according to Zych et al [9] and Leung et al [20]. The grip strength was rated as full, slightly reduced, moderately reduced (half of opposite), or severely reduced.…”

“…Cadaver studies showed that fracture angulation is limited with an intact interosseous membrane [12]; therefore, it should be a good indicator of fracture instability. Stable fractures are defined as shaft displacement <50% [4,9,14] or angulation in any plane of <108 [9,30]. Displacement above 50% has been identified as unstable; thus, operative fixation has been advocated.…”

“…Isolated 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].…”

“…However, the controversy concerning the optimal treatment regimen remains. Non-displaced or stable IUSF can be treated nonoperatively by immobilization in a cast [7,9], functional bracing [14,15], or functional treatment without immobilization [1,8,16]. In the case of displacement, operative treatment is recommended.…”

“…In the case of displacement, operative treatment is recommended. However, indications are still accompanied by dissent [4,5,9,17]. External fixation, intramedullary stabilization, and plating are optional.…”