Elbow: structure, varieties of fractures, methods of treatment

No one is immune from injuries (bruises, dislocations and fractures). They happen as a result of strong overloads, falls, impacts. Today, we will consider in detail the types and signs of fractures of the ulna. Immediately make a reservation that such a trauma does not happen too often. But the fracture of the ulna requires special attention, since it can worsen the mobility of the arm.

What is a fracture?

A fracture is a violation of the integrity of the bone tissue of the skeleton as a result of mechanical action, when the load on the bone exceeds its strength. It can be complete or partial, with a shift in the processes of the bones and without it. Sometimes they say that there is no fracture, just a crack. But this is a mistake! The crack is an incomplete fracture of the bone, since its integrity is still broken.

Fractures are traumatic or pathological. Traumatic injuries occur as a result of external influences, and pathological injuries occur as a result of the influence of painful abnormalities, for example, as a result of tuberculosis or a tumor.

Structure of the ulna

The ulna and radius are articulated and form a forearm. Bones go in parallel. The body of the ulna is slightly longer. In addition, it has two ends with protruding processes: the elbow and the coronoid (from above) and the subulate (from below). The processes are separated by a block-shaped notch, to which the block of the shoulder bone adjoins. The ulnar process of the ulna is a prominent place for attachment of the triceps and elbow muscles. The ventral process provides the articulation of the ulna and radius bone. The styloid protrudes in the lower part of the bone and is easily probed above the wrist. These tubular bones are located between the two joints:

• From above - ulnar;
• From below - radiocarpal.

The elbow and radius are articulated in such a way that they provide pronation and supination of the forearm. Pronation is the ability to turn the forearm inward, while the palm looks down. Supination - turning outward when the palm is turned up.

The structure of the ulna is very complicated. Trauma (fracture) can occur in any part.

Types of fractures of the ulna

The ulna is most often damaged in athletes, children and the elderly. The reasons are banal. Athletes subject the bone to severe overload, children are excessively mobile, and their bones are not fully formed. Well, the old people are weakening due to age characteristics. Their bones acutely feel a lack of calcium and become more fragile. Although with a lack of calcium, the risk of injury rises in all categories of people.

In medicine, several types of fracture of ulnar bones are identified:

1. Injury of the ulnar process. Usually the cause of this fracture is trauma. It happens to fall on the elbow or a direct blow. Fracture may be oblique or transverse. Depending on the condition of the muscles, different degrees of the process bias can be observed.
2. Fracture of Malgens. With such a trauma, a fracture of the process and a dislocation of the bones of the forearm occur. The arm assumes a semi-bent position, the palm is deployed forward. The joint is enlarged and deformed. In addition to a traumatologist, a neurosurgeon or a child neurologist should be invited (in case the child is injured).
3. Trauma, in which a dislocation of the head of the beam occurs. Another name is the break in Montegi. Can be open or closed. The mobility of the joint is significantly limited. The forearm looks shortened from the injured side. In difficult cases, surgery is necessary. The ulnar bone in the case of a fracture of Mountage can be damaged by two types - flexion or extensor. The type of fix depends on the type of damage.
4. Fracture of elbow. One of the most common injuries. Movement in the joint is severely limited. Pain extends over the shoulder and forearm. There is swelling, a bruise is formed.
5. Fracture of diaphysis. Diaphysis - the central part of the tubular bones. Displacements of debris are rare. This is prevented by an intact radius. There is a deformation of the hand.

General symptoms

The ulna in case of damage (fracture) looks somewhat deformed. Soft tissues around are swollen, movements are difficult and accompanied by painful sensations. Symptoms of a fracture may differ, they depend on the subspecies of trauma.

Diagnosis of fracture

When a person falls, hits, or jerks violently, causing severe pain, the traumatologist should show up as soon as possible. A fracture of the ulna can give serious consequences. To prevent this from happening, it is important to get timely help.

The traumatologist performs a visual examination of the injured limb and assigns an X-ray. According to the x-ray, the doctor determines the type of fracture. In addition, it can consider whether the ulna is displaced at the site of injury. On this depends on the treatment option of the fracture. In difficult cases, the victim will need surgery.

Treatment

Diagnosis, conducted by a traumatologist, allows us to identify the complexity of the problem. If the fracture of the ulnar bone or elbow bone is not complicated by the displacement, then a plaster bandage is applied to the patient and a supporting bandage-scarf is recommended. A week after applying the gypsum, a control X-ray is prescribed to make sure that no displacement occurred. The plaster cast is removed not earlier than in 3 weeks.

In the case of displacement of bone fragments, the patient undergoes an operation. This may be a resection of the proximal fragment or the installation of a plate with screws to fix the injured bones. To immobilize the limb after the operation, use a gypsum longite.

To restore mobility after a fracture appoint massages, physiotherapy and special exercises.