BACKGROUND:  To describe the surgical technique of non-compressive intramedullary threaded nail (IMTN) fixation of distal ulnar neck fractures and present the clinical and radiographic outcomes of four patients treated with this novel technique.
METHODS: At a single Level 1 Trauma Center, a retrospective review was conducted for patients with distal ulnar neck fractures treated with retrograde IMTN between 2022 and 2024. Exclusion criteria included inadequate follow-up. A single surgeon performed all procedures using percutaneous retrograde IMTN fixation through the central disc of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Patients initiated a range of motion (ROM) protocol two weeks post-operatively. Post-operative radiographic images were used to calculate the ratio of IMTN diameter to the distal ulnar medullary isthmus diameter proximal to the fracture site. Radiographic changes in displacement, angulation, and ulnar variance were calculated between the first and last follow-up radiographs. Functional outcomes including grip strength and ROM were collected.
RESULTS: Four patients with distal ulnar neck fractures were treated with retrograde IMTN between 2022 and 2024. They were followed for a minimum of three months post-operatively. All were female with an average age of 65 years. All distal ulna fractures were associated with operatively treated intraarticular distal radius fractures. All patients were treated with 75 mm length and 4.5 mm diameter IMTNs. IMTN-to-Isthmus ratio was greater than 60% in all cases. Average radiographic displacement and angulation were unchanged at the final follow-up. The average ulnar variance increased by 1.2 mm. At the final follow-up, there were no post-operative complications. No cases demonstrated ulnar-sided wrist pain, nonunion, or required revision surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde IMTN fixation is a novel surgical technique for the treatment of distal ulnar neck fractures. We found limited but promising post-operative radiographic and functional outcomes in our patients without reported ulnar-sided wrist pain, nonunion, or need for hardware removal.

Ulnar styloid fractures commonly occur in the setting of distal radius fractures and often progress to asymptomatic nonunion. Displaced basilar ulnar styloid fractures involving the deep radioulnar ligament attachments may cause distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. A careful clinical history, physical examination, review of imaging studies, and selected diagnostic interventions are important for confirming the relationship of the ulnar styloid nonunion with ulnar-sided wrist symptoms and/or DRUJ instability. Improved functional and symptomatic outcomes can be achieved with nonunion repair or fragment excision with or without triangular fibrocartilage complex repair, depending on the location and size of the ulnar styloid fracture.

OBJECTIVE: Distal ulna plate fixation for ulnar neck and head fractures (excluding ulnar styloid fractures) aims to anatomically reduce the distal ulna fracture (DUF) by open reduction and internal fixation, while obtaining a stable construct allowing functional rehabilitation without need for cast immobilization.
METHODS: Severe displacement, angulation or translation, as well as unstable or intra-articular fractures. Furthermore, multiple trauma or young patients in need of quick functional rehabilitation.
METHODS: Inability to surgically address concomitant ipsilateral extremity fractures, thus, limiting early active rehabilitation. Stable, nondisplaced fractures. Need for bridging plate or external fixator of distal radiocarpal joint.
METHODS: An ulnar approach, with a straight incision between the extensor and flexor carpi ulnaris. Preservation of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve. Reduction and plate fixation with avoidance of plate impingement in the articular zone.
METHODS: Postoperatively, an elastic bandage is applied for the first 24-48 h. In isolated DUF with stable fixation, a postoperative splint is often unnecessary and should be avoided. For the first four weeks, only light weightbearing of everyday activities is allowed to protect the osteosynthesis. Thereafter, heavier weightbearing and activities are allowed and can be increased as tolerated.
RESULTS: The best available evidence likely shows that for younger patients with a DUF, with or without concomitant distal radius fractures, open reduction and internal fixation can be safely achieved with good functional outcome and acceptable union and complication rates as long as proper technique is ensured.
UNASSIGNED: ZIELSETZUNG: Die Versorgung von Frakturen des Ulnahalses und -kopfes (mit Ausnahme von Frakturen des Processus styloideus ulnae) mittels Plattenosteosynthese verfolgt das Ziel einer anatomischen Reposition durch offene Reposition und interne Fixation. Hierdurch sollte ein stabiles Konstrukt erreicht werden, um eine funktionelle Nachbehandlung ohne die Notwendigkeit einer Ruhigstellung im Gips zu ermöglichen.
UNASSIGNED: Schwere Dislokation, Angulation oder Translation sowie instabile oder intraartikuläre Frakturen. Des Weiteren Mehrfachtraumata oder junge Patienten, die eine schnelle funktionelle Rehabilitation benötigen.
UNASSIGNED: Vorliegen von nicht operablen, ipsilateralen Extremitätenfrakturen, die eine frühfunktionelle Nachbehandlung unmöglich machen. Stabile, undislozierte Frakturen. Notwendigkeit eines internen oder externen Fixateurs zur Ruhigstellung des radiokarpalen Gelenks.
UNASSIGNED: Ulnarer Zugang mit gerader Inzision zwischen dem M. extensor carpi ulnaris und dem M. flexor carpi ulnaris. Schonung des distalen Astes des N. ulnaris. Anatomische Reposition und Plattenosteosynthese unter Vermeidung eines Impingements von Platte und Gelenk.
UNASSIGNED: Postoperativ wird für die ersten 24–48 h eine elastische Bandage angelegt. Bei isolierten distalen Ulnafrakturen mit stabiler Osteosynthese ist ein Gips postoperativ oft unnötig und sollte vermieden werden. Zum Schutz der Osteosynthese sind in den ersten vier Wochen postoperativ lediglich leichte alltägliche Belastungen erlaubt. Anschließender Belastungsaufbau nach Maßgabe der Beschwerden.
UNASSIGNED: Die verfügbare Evidenz zeigt, dass bei jungen Patienten mit einer distalen Ulnafraktur mit oder ohne begleitende distale Radiusfraktur eine offene Reposition und interne Fixierung mit guten funktionellen Ergebnissen und einer akzeptablen Heilungs- und Komplikationsrate sicher durchgeführt werden können, solange die operativen Standards eingehalten werden.

Background  Isolated distal ulna fractures are rare injuries and are commonly associated with distal radius fractures. Though most of them can be managed conservatively, few of them require open reduction due to the interposition of various structures. Case Description  In this case report, we report two cases of irreducible isolated distal ulna fractures in adolescents due to the interposition of the extensor retinaculum with its underlying tendons requiring open reduction to achieve bony union and distal radioulnar joint stability. These distal ulna fractures can be best reduced by open reduction with hypersupination and maintaining the distal ulna shaft gothic arch with pins. Literature Review  There are very few case reports reported on isolated distal ulna fractures commonly seen in paediatric and adolescent patients leading to growth arrest. The interposition of various structures is a cause of irreducibility requiring open reduction. These fractures are equivalent to TFCC injuries in adults. Clinical Relevance   Whenever there is a gross displacement or difficult reduction interposition is to be considered. Open reduction of the fracture and maintenance of DRUJ congruity is sufficient without being critical on articular reduction.

Attritional extensor tendon ruptures are common in the setting of arthritis but, to our knowledge, have never previously been reported in the setting of a distal ulna fracture. This case report describes a 56-year-old male patient who sustained a left-hand dog bite resulting in crush injuries to the thumb and ring finger and a minimally displaced distal ulna fracture. The patient initially underwent appropriate surgical intervention for the thumb and finger crush injuries and non-operative management of the distal ulna fracture with splint immobilization. He experienced an extensor digiti minimi tendon (EDM) rupture two and a half weeks post-operatively. Radiographs demonstrated interval distal ulna fracture displacement with a prominent dorsal spike and absence of arthritis. He subsequently underwent distal ulna open reduction internal fixation and an extensor indicis proprius (EIP) to EDM tendon transfer. This case demonstrates a novel complication following non-operative management of a distal ulna fracture in which the prominent dorsal distal ulna resulted in direct irritation to the extensor tendon and subsequent attritional extensor tendon rupture. This potential complication should be considered in determining appropriate treatment for distal ulna fractures.

We conducted a retrospective multicentre study to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complications of three surgical treatments of distal ulna fracture (DUF) when combined with anterior locking plate fixation for distal radial fracture (DRF) in patients over 70 years of age. We identified 1521 patients over 70 years of age who were diagnosed as having DRF and who underwent anterior locking plate fixation between 2015 and 2020, among which 122 cases of DUF were analysed. Three surgical treatment options for DUF were identified in this cohort: K-wire fixation (Group K), locking plate fixation (Group L) and Darrach procedure (Group D). The results of the analysis showed the total immobilization period in Group D to be the shortest among the three treatments. Functional outcomes were superior, and the rate of complications were smaller in Group D than in Group L. In addition, rotational range of motion was larger in Group D and Group L compared with Group K. In patients who are 70 years of age or older with combined unstable DRF and highly comminuted or displaced DUF, the Darrach procedure for DUF seems to be the most useful and reasonable treatment option once the fracture of the distal radius has been rigidly fixed.Level of evidence: IV.

BACKGROUND: Distal ulna head or neck fracture is commonly associated with distal radius fracture. Treatment of these fractures remains controversial. Plate osteosynthesis is commonly performed. The purpose of this study was to observe clinical and radiological outcomes in ulna hook plate osteosynthesis for distal ulna fracture associated with distal radius fracture.
METHODS: This retrospective study between 2010 and 2018 included patients presenting combined displaced distal ulna fracture and distal radius fracture who were treated with ulna hook plate osteosynthesis. Patient evaluation included pain measurement with the visual analog scale, wrist range of motion, grip and pinch strengths, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) score, and Mayo wrist score. Preoperative radiographs were reviewed to classify the distal ulna fracture according to Biyani. Bone union was evaluated on postoperative X-rays. At final follow-up, the usual radiographic parameters were measured and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) osteoarthritis was assessed.
RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were included. Mean age was 63 years old and mean follow-up was 28 months. According to the Biyani classification, there were 12 type I, 4 type II, 8 type III, and 24 type IV distal ulna fractures. Wrist flexion was 60°, extension 57°, pronation 85°, and supination 80°. Grip strength was 21 kg (86% of the uninjured opposite side). Pinch strength was 6.6 kg (92% of the uninjured opposite side). Clinical scores were very good to excellent, with a mean Q-DASH of 12 and a Mayo wrist score of 90. Discomfort or pain due to the implant that required implant removal was reported in 29%, and was higher in younger patients. Nonunion was observed in two cases and secondary implant displacement in one case. These three cases required secondary intervention with ulna head resection, which was higher in Biyani type IV. DRUJ osteoarthritis was observed in 12 patients (31%) and was higher in older patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Ulna hook plate fixation gives good clinical results and a high rate of fracture union, but complications are common. Implant irritation is a frequent complication, especially in young patients, and often requires implant removal.
METHODS: IV.

Volar distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation is a rare clinical entity that is commonly missed during initial evaluation. We report a case of a locked volar DRUJ dislocation associated with ulnar artery transection in a 53-year-old patient. He presented to the hospital after sustaining an injury to the right wrist by a heavy machinery object. Clinical evaluation showed contused skin, decreased sensation in the ulnar 2 digits, and an audible radial pulse, assessed using Doppler. Imaging studies revealed a locked volar DRUJ dislocation associated with a nondisplaced fracture of the distal ulna. Open reduction was performed with decompression of the Guyon canal. The ulnar artery was found to be transected and was primarily repaired. After the surgery, the patient showed marked improvement in neurological symptoms and patent ulnar artery flow. This case highlights the importance of meticulous evaluation and presents the heterogeneity of a volar DRUJ dislocation.

Background: This study compares the functional outcomes and complications between operatively and nonoperatively treated distal ulnar head and neck fractures associated with internal fixation of concomitant distal radius fractures. Methods: A 7-year retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with operatively treated distal radius fractures associated with distal ulnar head and neck fractures. Ulnar styloid fractures were excluded. Fifty-eight patients who had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up were identified. Patients were divided into 3 treatment groups: nonoperative, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), and distal ulna resection. Reviewed data included demographics, injury and treatment details, complications, and patient-reported outcome measures. Outcomes measures included Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) surveys. Due to inadequate power, 5 patients treated with distal ulna resection were excluded from statistical analysis. Results: The average patient age was 56 years, with an average follow-up of 27 months. All patients underwent ORIF of the distal radius fracture. Distal ulna fractures were treated nonoperatively in 25 patients, with ORIF in 28 patients, and with distal ulna resection in 5 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in wrist or forearm range of motion, complication rates, secondary procedure rates, PRWE scores, or PROMIS scores between ORIF and nonoperative treatment. Conclusion: No differences in wrist or forearm range of motion, complication rates, secondary procedure rates, PRWE scores, or PROMIS scores were observed between ORIF and nonoperative treatment of distal ulnar head and neck fractures associated with operatively treated distal radius fractures.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the distal forearm, especially fractures of the distal radius which are the most common fracture in humans, are of increasing socioeconomic relevance due to the increasing incidence and the increasing costs that are associated with the popularity of palmar plating.
OBJECTIVE: Radiological imaging for diagnosis and follow-up are presented with special focus on new biomechanical fracture concepts such as the four-corner concept.
METHODS: The basic literature and expert opinions are evaluated and discussed.
RESULTS: In intra-articular fractures of the distal radius, plain radiographs must be supplemented by computed tomography (CT). Direct CT arthrography allows not only analysis of the fracture pattern, but also detection of accompanying injuries of the carpus, especially the scapholunate ligament, and the ulnocarpal complex. The plain radiographs should also be analyzed for accompanying injuries. Therefore, both acquisition of the imaging data and their morphometrical analysis have to be standardized.
CONCLUSIONS: In addition to diagnosis and follow-up, radiological imaging plays a decisive role in the treatment of distal forearm fractures. CT and direct CT arthrography have become important tools in intra-articular distal radius fractures.