Distal ulnar fracture nonunion management: An uncommon case report

Abstract

Introduction: Isolated distal ulnar fracture is an uncommon injury. Only a few case series that look into the management of ulnar fracture nonunion have been reported in the literature. Case presentation: A middle-aged manual worker presented to us for isolated fracture of his left distal ulna. He received open reduction and fixation of the distal ulnar fracture using distal ulna locking plate. It was complicated with nonunion and he complained of persistent wrist pain. This distal ulnar fracture nonunion was finally treated by Sauve-Kapandji procedure with good functional outcome. Discussion: Displaced distal ulnar fracture should be reduced anatomically with rigid fixation to prevent disruption of the distal radioulnar joint. Fracture nonunion was traditionally managed with revision osteosynthesis and bone grafting. It is, however, technically difficult at the distal ulnar region because of the poor bone stock and lack of soft tissue coverage. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is a good treatment alternative for distal ulnar fracture nonunion.