Abstract

Between 1997 and 2001, 40 isolated fractures of the shaft of the ulna were treated by internal fixation and were followed until healing. The mean age was 27 years. Twenty six were treated by open reduction and plate fixation (group I), and 14 by closed intramedullary pinning (group II). Most complications were secondary to technical defects and occurred in the first group, with nonunion in 7.7% of cases; complications in the second group were minimal. The authors used Oestern and Tscherne's criteria for their evaluation; good results were noted in 86% in the first group, and in 93% in the second. Surgical management of isolated ulnar shaft fracture using intramedullary pinning or AO plate fixation (1/2 tube or 1/3 tube), appear to provide comparable results, provided the technique was correct.