Ulnar bone fracture natural history, complications and prognosis
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VascularEditor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohammadmain Rezazadehsaatlou[2] ;
Overview
The prognosis ulnar fracture depends on many factors. However, the factors under the orthopedics surgeons control are: treatment method, timing of internal fixation in open fractures, soft-tissue handling, and restoration of osseous anatomy.
Natural History
- In cases with untreated ulnar bone fracture the malunion and deformity of arm can be occurred.
Complication
The type and frequency of complications of the ulnar fracture varies. Its been reported that the ulnar fracture related complication and post-traumatic arthritis rates are 6% - 80% and 7% -65%, respectively. Malunion with an intra-articular or extra-articular deformity non-union, tendon attrition/rupture complications and neurological injuries are the most frequent complication in this regard.
In general the following are the most common complications of ulnar bone fracture:
- Infection of the bone
- Infection of soft tissue
- Compartment syndrome
- Non-union of the fracture
- Mal-union
- Arm shortening
- Radial nerve Damage
- Vascular injury
- Vascular bleeding
- Re-fracture
- Decreased Motion
- Painful movement
Prognosis
The prognosis of ulnar fracture is more guarded for open fractures of the shaft of the ulna with major skin and soft-tissue loss. In these patients, several operative procedures may be necessary, including initial debridement and stabilization, skin grafting, pedicle or free-flap applications, late reconstruction of the bones, and, frequently, tendon transfers.