Comparison of intramedullary nailing and plate fixation in the surgical treatment of isolated fractures of the distal two-thirds of ulna diaphysis

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the clinical and radiological results of intramedullary nailing and plating, which are both techniques utilized frequently in the surgical treatment of isolated fractures of the distal third of the ulna diaphysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2016, a total of 54 patients (34 males, 20 females; mean age: 37.8±7.4 years; range, 22 to 56 years) with isolated fractures of the distal third of the ulna diaphysis were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into those treated with locking plates (Plating group, n=25) and those treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN group, n=29). The operating time and clinical and radiological results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 93 (range, 84.5 to 99.5) months in the Pg and 86 (range, 80 to 97) months in the IMNg (p=0.179). No significant difference was observed between the groups in respect of age, sex, trauma mechanism, fracture classification, smoking status, and time from trauma to surgery. The median operating time was 46 min in the Pg and 33 min in the IMNg (p<0.001). No significant difference was found in the postoperative length of stay in hospital, reduction quality, infection rates, clinical results, radiological results, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) score between the groups. Implant removal was only needed in the locking plate group (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: In the surgical treatment of isolated fractures of the distal third of the ulna diaphysis, locked IMN seems to be a good alternative to the plate method with a shorter operating time and less need for implant removal.