Ulna and radius fractures

Question 1

Site of ulna fractures

Answer 1

Ulna shaft

Olecranon (less common)

Question 2

Displacement of ulna shaft fracture fragments

Answer 2

Proximal ulna displaced posteriorly

Question 3

Displacement of olecranon fracture fragments

Answer 3

Fragments displaced proximally by triceps brachii

Question 4

Why are fractures of ulna and radius common

Answer 4

They are attached by interosseous membrane which can transmit force of trauma to one bone to the other

Question 5

What are the 2 common fractures of ulna and radius

Answer 5

Monteggia’s fracture

Galeazzi’s fracture

Question 6

Describe Monteggia’s fracture and how it occurs

Answer 6

Proximal ulna shaft fractured
Head of radius dislocates anteriorly at elbow

Caused by force from behind ulna

Question 7

Describe galeazzi’s fracture

Answer 7

Distal radius fractured

Ulnar head dislocates at distal radio-ulnar joint

Question 8

What are the 3 radius fractures

Answer 8

Colles’ fracture (most common)
Radial head
Smith’s fracture

Question 9

Describe Colles’ fracture and how it occurs

Answer 9

Fracture of distal radius
Structures distal to fracture (wrist and hand) are displaced posteriorly resulting in dinner fork deformity

Caused by fall onto outstretched hand

Question 10

Describe radial head fractures and how they occur

Answer 10

Radial head forced into capitulum of humerus causing it to fracture

Caused by fall onto outstretched hand

Question 11

Describe smith’s fractures and how they occur

Answer 11

Fracture of distal radius
Structures distal to fracture (wrist and hand) are displaced anteriorly

Caused by fall on back of hand

Question 12

How do ulna fractures commonly occur

Answer 12

Direct blow

Falling on a flexed elbow (olecranon)