Open AccessConservative Treatment of an Intra-Articular Shear Fracture of the Ulnar Head
Author(s) -
Hideaki Miyamoto,
Gen Sasaki,
Taketo Kurozumi,
Yoshinobu Watanabe
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of wrist surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 1
eISSN - 2163-3924
pISSN - 2163-3916
DOI - 10.1055/s-0038-1677533
Subject(s) - medicine , forearm , elbow , surgery , internal fixation , wrist , conservative treatment , range of motion , splint (medicine) , fixation (population genetics) , orthodontics , population , environmental health
Background Isolated intra-articular fracture of the ulnar head is rare. Case Description A 59-year-old woman experienced an ulnar head fracture involving the distal radioulnar joint after a fall at ground level. The intra-articular fragment of the ulnar head was rotated into anatomical alignment with an above-elbow cast in 90° of supination for 4 weeks. A below-elbow night splint was retained for 2 additional weeks. Twelve months post-injury, full active motion and bone union were achieved. Literature Review Only three studies have reported treatment of isolated intra-articular ulnar head fractures, and in all cases open reduction and internal fixation were performed. Clinical Relevance Our report demonstrated good results for the conservative treatment of an intra-articular ulnar head shear fracture, with early recovery of forearm rotation and wrist function.