From the Research
Treatment Options
The treatment for proximal radius or ulna fractures can vary depending on the severity and type of fracture. Some common treatment options include:
- Immobilization with a splint or cast 1
- Surgical correction, which may be necessary for combined fractures involving both the ulna and radius 1
- Operative stabilization using AO/ASIF techniques, which can provide a stable and painless joint with a functional range of motion 2
- Early mobilization, which is essential for recovering useful joint movement 3
Factors Affecting Outcome
Several factors can affect the outcome of treatment for proximal radius or ulna fractures, including:
- The severity of the fracture, with more complex fractures tend to have poorer outcomes 3, 4
- The presence of associated injuries, such as dislocation or radial head fractures, which can complicate treatment and affect outcome 3, 4
- The timing of treatment, with delayed treatment potentially leading to complications such as nonunion or heterotopic ossification 2
Specific Treatment Approaches
For specific types of fractures, the following treatment approaches may be used:
- For comminuted fractures of the proximal ulna, treatment may involve operative stabilization and early functional treatment 4
- For fractures of the olecranon, coronoid, or radial head, treatment may involve a variety of options, including immobilization, surgical correction, or operative stabilization 5
- For combined fractures involving both the ulna and radius, surgical correction is often necessary to achieve stable anatomic reconstruction and allow for early functional treatment 3, 1