Ulna fracture

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Ulna fracture
Monteggia fracture, a type of 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

Monteggia Fracture X-ray

Galeazzi Fracture

Edinburgh Police Truncheons (19th Century)

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

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.

Monteggia Fracture

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.

X-ray of a Monteggia fracture showing ulna fracture and radial head dislocation.

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.

X-ray of a Galeazzi fracture showing radius fracture and distal radioulnar joint dislocation.

Causes

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

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 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

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)
• Forearm
• Fracture (bone)