Isolated ulnar shaft fractures treated with functional braces.

OBJECTIVE

To report the results from functional bracing of isolated ulnar shaft fractures.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Two university hospitals.

PATIENTS

Isolated ulnar shaft fractures in 444 patients were stabilized in functional braces that permitted full range of motion of all joints.

INTERVENTION

Prefabricated braces that extended from below the elbow to above the wrist were applied within the first week after the initial injury.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Union of the fracture, fracture angulation, and final range of motion of the forearm were evaluated.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-seven patients were available for follow-up (65 percent). Union took place in 99 percent of the fractures. Shortening of the ulna averaged 1.1 millimeters (range 0 to 10 millimeters). Final radial angulation averaged 5 degrees (range 0 to 18 degrees). Dorsal angulation averaged 5 degrees (range 0 to 20 degrees). Average loss of pronation was greatest in fractures of the proximal third of the ulna, averaging 12 degrees. Fractures in the distal third averaged a loss of 5 degrees of pronation.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional bracing is a viable therapeutic alternative in the management of isolated ulnar shaft fractures. It is associated with a 99 percent union rate and good to excellent functional results in more than 96 percent of patients.