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J Wrist Surg 2019; 08(05): 426-429
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1677533
Case Report
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Conservative Treatment of an Intra-Articular Shear Fracture of the Ulnar Head

Hideaki Miyamoto
1   Trauma and Reconstruction Center, Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
,
Gen Sasaki
1   Trauma and Reconstruction Center, Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
,
Taketo Kurozumi
1   Trauma and Reconstruction Center, Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
,
Yoshinobu Watanabe
1   Trauma and Reconstruction Center, Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

26 May 2018

03 December 2018

Publication Date:
10 January 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Background Isolated intra-articular fracture of the ulnar head is rare.

Case Description A 59-year-old woman experienced an ulnar head fracture involving the distal radioulnar joint after a fall at ground level. The intra-articular fragment of the ulnar head was rotated into anatomical alignment with an above-elbow cast in 90° of supination for 4 weeks. A below-elbow night splint was retained for 2 additional weeks. Twelve months post-injury, full active motion and bone union were achieved.

Literature Review Only three studies have reported treatment of isolated intra-articular ulnar head fractures, and in all cases open reduction and internal fixation were performed.

Clinical Relevance Our report demonstrated good results for the conservative treatment of an intra-articular ulnar head shear fracture, with early recovery of forearm rotation and wrist function.

Keywords

conservative treatment - intra-articular fracture - shear fracture - ulnar head fracture
 

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