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Distal Ulna Fracture
From WikiSM
Contents
Other Names
- Ulnar styloid fracture
- Ulnar head fracture
- Distal ulnar neck
Background
- Distal Ulna fractures include
- Ulnar styloid fracture
- Ulnar head fracture
- Distal ulnar neck
Pathophysiology
- Ulnar styloid fractures
- Typically a small avulsion fracture
- Seen in about 60% of distal radius fractures
Risk Factors
Differential Diagnosis
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Wrist Dislocation (Radiocarpal and/or Ulnocarpal)
- Carpometacarpal Joint Dislocation
- Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation
- Lunate Dislocation
- Perilunate Dislocation
- Instability & Degenerative
- Tendinopathies & Ligaments
- Neuropathies
- Pediatric Considerations
- Distal Radial Epiphysitis (Gymnast's Wrist)
- Torus Fracture
- Arthropathies
- Cartilage
- Vascular
- Other
Clinical Features
- General: Physical Exam Wrist
- Typically swelling, ecchymosis, deformity
- Tenderness to palpation of distal ulna
Evaluation
Radiographs
- Standard Radiographs Wrist
- Typically satisfactory
CT scan
- Important to evaluate intra-articular injuries or for surgical planning
MRI
- Evaluate for soft tissue injuries
Classification
- N/A
Management
Nonoperative
- There is little scientific support to guide the management of distal ulnar fractures[1]
- Most distal ulna fractures can be managed nonoperatively
- Splint: Ulnar Gutter Splint
- Cast: Ulnar Gutter Cast
Operative
- Indications
- Open
- Unstable
- Other co-occurring
Return to Play
- Needs to be updated
Complications
See Also
- Internal
- External
- Sports Medicine Review Wrist Pain: https://www.sportsmedreview.com/by-joint/wrist/
References
- ↑ Logan AJ, Lindau TR. The management of distal ulnar fractures in adults: a review of the literature and recommendations for treatment. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr. 2008 Sep;3(2):49-56. doi: 10.1007/s11751-008-0040-1. Epub 2008 Sep 3. PubMed PMID: 18766429; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2553431.