Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooUlna (Proximal) Fracture

A proximal ulna fracture is a break in the upper end of the ulna, one of the forearm bones, near the elbow. The most common type is an olecranon fracture – a break in the bony tip of the elbow – and these are fairly common (AAOS, n.d.a). Less commonly, the ulna breaks and the head of the radius (the other forearm bone) is dislocated at the elbow at the same time; this is a different injury called a Monteggia injury (AAOS, n.d.b).

These fractures cause sudden, intense pain and can make elbow movement difficult or impossible (AAOS, n.d.a). An X-ray is used to diagnose the fracture, and X-rays of other parts of the arm may be taken to check for other injuries (AAOS, n.d.a).

They usually happen from falling directly onto the elbow, a direct blow to the elbow (for example in a car collision), or a fall onto an outstretched arm (AAOS, n.d.a). They are often referred to as a "fractured elbow".

Ulna (Proximal) Fracture Anatomy

The ulna is a forearm bone that is paired with the radius. The radius is on the thumb side of the forearm and the ulna on the little finger side (AAOS, n.d.b). The olecranon, the top part of the ulna, forms the bony point at the back of the elbow and lies just under the skin (AAOS, n.d.a).

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or fracture team

Tips

• A fall onto the elbow or onto an outstretched arm, or a direct blow, are common causes of these fractures (AAOS, n.d.a).
• The type of fracture and the location of the break determine the healing time and treatment needed.
• Follow your medical team's advice about what you can and cannot do with your arm while it heals, and don't miss your clinic appointments (Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 2023).
• Elbow stiffness is one of the most common problems after an elbow fracture (AAOS, n.d.a). I'll advise you how to rehabilitate the arm, within your medical team's guidance.

An elbow fracture needs protecting while the bone heals, but the elbow stiffens easily. Your fracture team decides on a splint, 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, wrist and fingers moving
• Going over the elbow movements your team allows

Once Your Team Allows More

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.) Elbow (olecranon) fractures. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/elbow-olecranon-fractures/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
2. 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).
3. Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2023) Discharge advice: olecranon fracture. Available at: https://sfh-tr.nhs.uk/media/1rihwz3e/pil202310-01-of-olecranon-fracture.pdf (Accessed: 7 October 2026).