Ulna fracture: Difference between revisions
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== | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Ulna fracture | |||
| image = [[File:Monteggia_Fracture.jpg|left|thumb|Monteggia fracture, a type of ulna fracture]] | |||
| caption = X-ray showing a Monteggia fracture, which involves the ulna | |||
| field = [[Orthopedic surgery]] | |||
| synonyms = Fracture of the ulna | |||
| symptoms = Pain, swelling, bruising, inability to move the arm | |||
| complications = [[Compartment syndrome]], [[nerve injury]], [[nonunion]] | |||
| onset = Sudden, following trauma | |||
| duration = Varies, depending on treatment and severity | |||
| types = [[Monteggia fracture]], [[nightstick fracture]], [[Galeazzi fracture]] | |||
| causes = [[Trauma]], such as a fall or direct blow | |||
| risks = [[Osteoporosis]], contact sports, motor vehicle accidents | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[X-ray]] | |||
| differential = [[Radius fracture]], [[elbow dislocation]] | |||
| treatment = [[Casting]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Pain management]], [[anti-inflammatory drugs]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with appropriate treatment | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Monteggia-Fraktur_23W_-_CR_ap_-_001.jpg|Monteggia Fracture X-ray|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Galeazzifraktur_1_THWZ.jpg|Galeazzi Fracture|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Edinburgh_police_truncheons_(19thC).JPG|Edinburgh Police Truncheons (19th Century)|thumb|left]] | |||
An '''ulna fracture''' is a break in the [[ulna]], one of the two long bones in the forearm. The ulna is located on the side opposite the thumb and is parallel to the [[radius (bone)|radius]]. Ulna fractures can occur in isolation or in combination with fractures of the radius. | An '''ulna fracture''' is a break in the [[ulna]], one of the two long bones in the forearm. The ulna is located on the side opposite the thumb and is parallel to the [[radius (bone)|radius]]. Ulna fractures can occur in isolation or in combination with fractures of the radius. | ||
== Types of Ulna Fractures == | == Types of Ulna Fractures == | ||
=== Isolated Ulna Fracture === | === Isolated Ulna Fracture === | ||
An isolated ulna fracture, often referred to as a "nightstick fracture," typically results from a direct blow to the forearm. This type of fracture is common in situations where the forearm is used to shield the body from an impact, such as in self-defense. | An isolated ulna fracture, often referred to as a "nightstick fracture," typically results from a direct blow to the forearm. This type of fracture is common in situations where the forearm is used to shield the body from an impact, such as in self-defense. | ||
=== Monteggia Fracture === | === Monteggia Fracture === | ||
A [[Monteggia fracture]] involves a fracture of the ulna along with dislocation of the proximal [[radius (bone)|radius]]. This type of fracture is named after the Italian surgeon Giovanni Battista Monteggia, who first described it in 1814. Monteggia fractures are classified into four types based on the direction of the radial head dislocation and the location of the ulna fracture. | A [[Monteggia fracture]] involves a fracture of the ulna along with dislocation of the proximal [[radius (bone)|radius]]. This type of fracture is named after the Italian surgeon Giovanni Battista Monteggia, who first described it in 1814. Monteggia fractures are classified into four types based on the direction of the radial head dislocation and the location of the ulna fracture. | ||
[[File:Monteggia_Fracture.jpg|left|thumb|X-ray of a Monteggia fracture showing ulna fracture and radial head dislocation.]] | |||
[[File:Monteggia_Fracture.jpg|thumb|X-ray of a Monteggia fracture showing ulna fracture and radial head dislocation.]] | |||
=== Galeazzi Fracture === | === Galeazzi Fracture === | ||
A [[Galeazzi fracture]] involves a fracture of the radius with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Although the ulna is not fractured in a Galeazzi fracture, it is often included in discussions of forearm fractures due to the involvement of both bones in the forearm. | A [[Galeazzi fracture]] involves a fracture of the radius with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Although the ulna is not fractured in a Galeazzi fracture, it is often included in discussions of forearm fractures due to the involvement of both bones in the forearm. | ||
[[File:Galeazzifraktur_1_THWZ.jpg|left|thumb|X-ray of a Galeazzi fracture showing radius fracture and distal radioulnar joint dislocation.]] | |||
[[File:Galeazzifraktur_1_THWZ.jpg|thumb|X-ray of a Galeazzi fracture showing radius fracture and distal radioulnar joint dislocation.]] | |||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Ulna fractures can result from various types of trauma, including: | Ulna fractures can result from various types of trauma, including: | ||
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* Motor vehicle accidents. | * Motor vehicle accidents. | ||
* Sports injuries. | * Sports injuries. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of an ulna fracture is typically made through physical examination and confirmed with imaging studies such as X-rays. The X-ray will show the location and extent of the fracture, and whether there is any associated dislocation or injury to the radius. | Diagnosis of an ulna fracture is typically made through physical examination and confirmed with imaging studies such as X-rays. The X-ray will show the location and extent of the fracture, and whether there is any associated dislocation or injury to the radius. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of ulna fractures depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Options include: | Treatment of ulna fractures depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Options include: | ||
* '''Non-surgical treatment''': For stable fractures, immobilization with a cast or splint may be sufficient. | * '''Non-surgical treatment''': For stable fractures, immobilization with a cast or splint may be sufficient. | ||
* '''Surgical treatment''': Unstable fractures, or those associated with dislocation, often require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones using plates, screws, or rods. | * '''Surgical treatment''': Unstable fractures, or those associated with dislocation, often require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones using plates, screws, or rods. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for ulna fractures is generally good, especially with appropriate treatment. Most individuals regain full function of the forearm, although recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment method used. | The prognosis for ulna fractures is generally good, especially with appropriate treatment. Most individuals regain full function of the forearm, although recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment method used. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Radius (bone)]] | * [[Radius (bone)]] | ||
* [[Forearm]] | * [[Forearm]] | ||
* [[Fracture (bone)]] | * [[Fracture (bone)]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic surgery]] | [[Category:Orthopedic surgery]] | ||
[[Category:Bone fractures]] | [[Category:Bone fractures]] | ||
Latest revision as of 09:05, 13 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Ulna fracture | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Fracture of the ulna |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, bruising, inability to move the arm |
| Complications | Compartment syndrome, nerve injury, nonunion |
| Onset | Sudden, following trauma |
| Duration | Varies, depending on treatment and severity |
| Types | Monteggia fracture, nightstick fracture, Galeazzi fracture |
| Causes | Trauma, such as a fall or direct blow |
| Risks | Osteoporosis, contact sports, motor vehicle accidents |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Radius fracture, elbow dislocation |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Casting, surgery |
| Medication | Pain management, anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Prognosis | Generally good with appropriate treatment |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
.JPG)
An ulna fracture is a break in the ulna, one of the two long bones in the forearm. The ulna is located on the side opposite the thumb and is parallel to the radius. Ulna fractures can occur in isolation or in combination with fractures of the radius.
Types of Ulna Fractures[edit]
Isolated Ulna Fracture[edit]
An isolated ulna fracture, often referred to as a "nightstick fracture," typically results from a direct blow to the forearm. This type of fracture is common in situations where the forearm is used to shield the body from an impact, such as in self-defense.
Monteggia Fracture[edit]
A Monteggia fracture involves a fracture of the ulna along with dislocation of the proximal radius. This type of fracture is named after the Italian surgeon Giovanni Battista Monteggia, who first described it in 1814. Monteggia fractures are classified into four types based on the direction of the radial head dislocation and the location of the ulna fracture.
Galeazzi Fracture[edit]
A Galeazzi fracture involves a fracture of the radius with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Although the ulna is not fractured in a Galeazzi fracture, it is often included in discussions of forearm fractures due to the involvement of both bones in the forearm.
Causes[edit]
Ulna fractures can result from various types of trauma, including:
- Direct impact or blow to the forearm.
- Falls onto an outstretched hand.
- Motor vehicle accidents.
- Sports injuries.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of an ulna fracture is typically made through physical examination and confirmed with imaging studies such as X-rays. The X-ray will show the location and extent of the fracture, and whether there is any associated dislocation or injury to the radius.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of ulna fractures depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Options include:
- Non-surgical treatment: For stable fractures, immobilization with a cast or splint may be sufficient.
- Surgical treatment: Unstable fractures, or those associated with dislocation, often require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones using plates, screws, or rods.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for ulna fractures is generally good, especially with appropriate treatment. Most individuals regain full function of the forearm, although recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the treatment method used.
