Isolated ulna fracture

Background

• Also known as a "nightstick" fracture
• Most often due to direct trauma

Differential Diagnosis

Forearm Fracture Types

• Distal radius fractures
  • Colles' fracture
  • Smith fracture
  • Barton fracture
  • Radial styloid fracture (Chauffeur's fracture)
  • Die-punch fracture
  • Distal radioulnar joint disruption
• Radius and ulna fracture (both-bone forearm fracture)
• Radial head fracture
• Isolated ulna fracture (i.e. nightstick)
• Monteggia fracture-dislocation
• Galeazzi fracture-dislocation
• Essex-Lopresti fracture
• Forearm fracture (peds)
  • Greenstick fracture
  • Torus fracture

Management

• Stable: short arm cast
• Long arm posterior splint with 90 degrees of elbow flexion and the hand in a neutral position
• Unstable: ORIF
  • >50% displacement
  • >10% angulation
  • Involvement of proximal 1/3

See Also

Forearm Fracture