Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooUlna (Distal) Fracture
Whole body
What It Is
When only one of the two forearm bones breaks, it is usually the ulna. This typically happens from a direct blow to the outside of the forearm, such as when the arm is raised to protect the head or face (AAOS, n.d.). This is often called a "nightstick fracture", and it is more common in young men (Mahajan et al., 2021). Falls, including from a height, and car or motorbike accidents are other common causes of forearm fractures (AAOS, n.d.).
A fracture can occur anywhere along the ulna. Isolated ulna fractures from a direct blow most often affect the shaft (the long middle part of the bone) (Mahajan et al., 2021). If the ulna breaks where it forms the elbow joint, it is normally called a fractured elbow.
Ulna (Distal) Fracture Anatomy
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or fracture team
Tips
- When playing sport, wear the proper protective equipment.
- Follow the routine and rehabilitation guidelines provided by your medical team for a smooth recovery.
- Some stiffness of the elbow or wrist is common after a forearm fracture (AAOS, n.d.). Once your medical team allows, I can help with treatment to reduce elbow and wrist restriction.
Treatment
My Approach
A broken ulna needs protecting while it heals, but the elbow and wrist stiffen easily. Your fracture team decides on a splint, cast, brace or surgery, and when you can move and load the arm, and I work inside those limits. If you had surgery, or the fracture stops you doing your normal daily tasks, I need your team's okay before any hands-on treatment.
Please bring any X-ray or scan reports and notes from your medical team to your first visit. They're an important part of planning safe treatment for you.
While It's Protected
- Easing the neck, shoulder and upper back muscles that work overtime while you protect the arm
- Gentle lymphatic drainage for swelling, and keeping your shoulder and fingers moving
Once Your Team Allows More
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Please read
When to See a Doctor First
When to Get Help
- Most people with a forearm fracture need prompt medical treatment (AAOS, n.d.).
- Call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital if bone is sticking out or there is a wound over the break, if the arm looks bent or deformed, if your fingers are numb, cold or pale, or if you develop severe pain when moving your fingers in the day or two after the injury (this can be a sign of compartment syndrome, where swelling cuts off the blood supply) (AAOS, n.d.).
How to Treat an Ulna (Distal) Fracture:
Treatment is decided and carried out by your doctor or fracture team, so always follow their instructions. Isolated ulna fractures are often treated without surgery (Mahajan et al., 2021; Handoll and Pearce, 2004).
Once your fracture team allows, I can help you get your elbow and wrist moving again and rebuild your strength. See the My Approach tab for how I work.
Sources
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.) Adult forearm fractures. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/adult-forearm-fractures/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- Mahajan, N.P., Kondewar, P., Prasanna Kumar, G.S. et al. (2021) 'Bilateral traumatic nightstick fracture of the ulna – a rare case report and review of the literature', Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports, 11(7), pp. 37–40. doi: 10.13107/jocr.2021.v11.i07.2306
- Handoll, H.H.G. and Pearce, P.K. (2004) 'Interventions for isolated diaphyseal fractures of the ulna in adults', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), CD000523. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000523.pub2