Bilateral Traumatic Nightstick Fracture of the Ulna - A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral isolated ulna fracture secondary to trauma are common but the bilateral nightstick fractures are quite rare in the clinical scenario. These are managed conservatively or surgically depending upon the degree of displacement, location of the fracture, fracture pattern and associated injury to other bones. Proper management of these fractures helps in getting a better outcome. The purpose of the study was to present a case of bilateral traumatic isolated ulna fracture and its management. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complaints of pain and swelling over the dorsum of both forearms with a history of assault with a bamboo stick. The mechanism of the injury was, the patient placed his both the forearms in front of the face as a defense during the assault and sustained injury to both forearms. On examination, the patient had bilateral forearm swelling with tenderness. Bony crepitus was present over both the ulna on palpation. X-ray of both forearms (radius and ulna) revealed the fracture of both right and left ulna without any associated fractures/injuries. The patient was managed surgically with open reduction and internal fixation using a 3.5 mm locking compression plate. At present, 1-year follow-up, the patient is having complete wrist, elbow ROM and supination, pronation without any pain. CONCLUSION: Bilateral traumatic Nightstick fractures of the ulna are rare and this is the first reported case of traumatic bilateral isolated ulna fracture according to author’s best knowledge and literature review. Open reduction and stable internal fixation using the principles of fracture fixation along with early mobilization helps in getting better functional outcome and prevents further complications and secondary procedures. This case is unique as it helps in identifying the mode of trauma in medico legal cases like assault in cases of bilateral ulna fracture. The mode and the mechanism of injury are different in this case.