Treatment of adult isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures: A comparison of new-generation locked intramedullary nail and plate fixation.

OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the radiological and functional results of adult patients with isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures treated with plate and new-generation locked intramedullary nail (IMN). PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 57 patients (38 males, 19 females; mean age 39.1 years; range, 18 to 77 years) with isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures treated with IMN or plate fixation between January 2008 and December 2017. Thirty patients (Plate group) were treated with plate fixation and 27 patients (IMN group) with IMN. Functional results were evaluated according to the Grace-Eversmann evaluation system and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire. RESULTS The mean union time was 12.8±1.2 weeks in the IMN group and 13.7±1.4 weeks in the plate group (p=0.092). The mean operation time was significantly shorter in the IMN group (30 minutes) than in the plate group (46 minutes; p<0.001). The mean DASH score was 7.0±4.5 in the IMN group and 7.7±8.6 in the plate group (p=0.766). CONCLUSION With similar union rates, functional results, and shorter operation times, locked IMNs are a suitable alternative to plate osteosynthesis in adult isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures.