Treatment of isolated ulnar shaft fractures with short arm cast

Abstract Objectives; isolated ulnar shaft fractures are rare injuries but union problems are common. Treatment with long arm cast and plate osteosynthesis has a potential risk of nonunion and delayed union. In this study we aimed to discuss the radiological and clinical results of isolated ulnar shaft fractures, treated with short arm cast. Methods; 13 patients treated with short arm cast in our clinic, were included to the study. Mean age of patients was 44. The etiologies of fracture were direct blow for five, fall for five and traffic accident for three patients. The radiographic evaluation was made according to ulnar shaft anatomic angle, ulnar variance at the wrist joint and presence of union. Clinical evaluation was made by Quick DASH (Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand) and Visual Analog Scale. Results; MEan follow-up duration was 26.5 months. Among all patients union was achieved. Mean union duration was6.15 weeks. Mean Q-DASH score was 2.97. mean ulnar shaft anatomic angle was 1.8 degrees for at the time of fracture and 3.48 at the end of the union. At the end of the treatment, one patient had neutral ulnar variance , two positive and ten negative. Four patients had radiologic malunion. Conclusion ; the treatment results of short arm cast treatment of isolated ulnar shaft fractures are good. Patients had some sort of malunion but it had little effect on clinical results. Long arm cast should be used temporarily fort the treatment of isolated ulnar shaft fractures, not till the end of the treatment