title: Management of isolated ulnar shaft fractures.
abstract: Isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft are common forearm injuries. Although seemingly benign, they may be complicated by nonunion, radioulnar synostosis, and loss of motion. Unstable fractures are those that are displaced more than 50 percent, angulated more than 10 degrees, or are located in the proximal third of the ulna. Stable fractures are managed well with forearm bracing. Unstable fractures are reliably treated with open reduction and internal fixation with compression plating.
authors.affiliation: Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Health Care, University of Western Ontario, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4L6.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Sauder
authors.forename: George S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Athwal
mesh_terms: D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008566:Membranes / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011884:Radius / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014457:Ulna / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*