Abstract
Background and purpose — Fractures of the distal ulna can occur in isolation or in conjunction with a distal radius fracture. They may result in incongruence and instability of the distal radioulnar joint. We investigated the incidence of distal ulna fractures, whether any fracture types were more common, and the methods of treatment used.Patients and methods — Data were collected from patients 18 years or older, treated for a fracture of the distal ulna in Östergötland, Sweden, during 2010–2012. Patients were identified in the patient registry. The fractures were classified according to the AO comprehensive classification of fractures.Results — The incidence of distal ulna fractures was 74/100,000 person-years. The most common fracture type was that of the ulnar styloid Q1 (79%), followed by the ulnar neck Q2 (11%). Rarest was ulna head fracture, type Q4 (1%). Incidental findings were a mean age of 63 years (SD 18), a concomitant distal radius fracture in 92% of the patients and that 79% were caused by falling from standing height. Internal fixation was performed in 30% of the Q2–Q6 fractures. This indicates that most were considered stable without internal fixation or stable after fixation of a concomitant radius fracture.Interpretation — Our results show that fractures of the distal ulna are not very common, and some fracture types are even rare. There seem to be no consensus on treatment.
Highlights
Patients and methods — Data were collected from patients 18 years or older, treated for a fracture of the distal ulna in Östergötland, Sweden, during 2010–2012
We investigated the incidence of distal ulna fractures, whether any fracture types were more common, and the methods of treatment used
Incidental findings were a mean age of 63 years (SD 18), a concomitant distal radius fracture in 92% of the patients and that 79% were caused by falling from standing height
Summary
Patients and methods — Data were collected from patients 18 years or older, treated for a fracture of the distal ulna in Östergötland, Sweden, during 2010–2012. Among patients with a Colles fracture, excluding ulnar styloid fractures, 5.6% have a concomitant fracture of the distal ulna (Biyani et al 1995) Internal fixation of these fractures is typically difficult (Ring et al 2004) as the distal fragment in most cases is small, consisting to a large extent of metaphysis and has a 270° articular surface. There is no clear consensus on how fractures of the distal ulna should be treated, and there are currently very few data on healing rate, results of different treatment options, and functional results. This retrospective study investigates the incidence of distal ulna fractures in adults, whether any fracture types are more common according to the AO classification, both in relation to cause of trauma and demographics. We investigated how frequently operative treatment was the treatment of choice related to the different fracture types
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