How is a distal ulna fracture treated?
Distal ulna fractures are commonly diagnosed using a combination of imaging and physical exams. Treatment options may include different types of surgery and/or application of a cast, depending on the nature of the fracture.
Can distal radius fracture heal without surgery?
Some fractures, like distal radius fractures (before the wrist), can be treated without surgery if the bone fragments are minimally displaced and remain in close connection. In these cases, our surgeons will recommend immobilizing the hand with a splint or cast.
How is a distal radial fracture treated?
Nonsurgical Treatment If the distal radius fracture is in a good position, a splint or cast is applied. It often serves as a final treatment until the bone heals. Usually a cast will remain on for up to six weeks. Then you will be given a removable wrist splint to wear for comfort and support.
What is the recovery time for a broken ulna?
They take an average of 3-6 months to completely heal. By six weeks, patients are extremely comfortable and usually are released to full activities such as manual labor, skiing and motocross by three to four months. Aggressive return to activity too early can result in re-fracture, hardware breakage or non-union.
When does a distal radius fracture need surgery?
If the bones loses alignment or slips, surgery may be required. Broken wrists treated non-operatively are usually casted for 6 weeks. The cast is then removed, patients are given a removable wrist brace and physical therapy is started to help patients regain their range of motion.
What is an intra articular fracture?
An intraarticular fracture is a fracture that crosses a joint surface. Such fractures also involve some cartilage damage. Fractures to joints are more complicated to treat and heal than simple fractures, as multiple bones are involved. Bone fragments inside the damaged joint may impede healing time and efficacy.
Does a broken ulna require surgery?
Both Bones Forearm Fracture In younger children, nonsurgical treatment can be considered, but even in adolescents surgery may need to be performed. Both bones forearm fractures are most commonly treated by placing a metal plate and screws on both the radius and ulna bones.
Is it easy to break the ulna?
Because of the strong force required to break the radius or ulna in the middle of the bone, it is more common for adults to break both bones during a forearm injury.
Do intra-articular fractures need surgery?
Extra-articular distal radius fractures, which are typically the result of a low-energy event, can be treated with conservative management, while intra-articular fractures may require surgery.
How serious is an intra-articular fracture?
While intra-articular fractures appear very similar to those that do not involve a joint space (extra-articular fractures), intra-articular fractures are significantly more serious because they are associated with a much greater incidence of long-term complications.
How do I know if my fracture is healing?
4 Signs Your Fracture Is Healing
- Pain Decreases. No matter how big or small your fracture is, the one thing they all hold in common is the pain you’ll experience due to it.
- Increased Mobility.
- Lack of Bruising.
- Swelling Subsides.