Nonoperative treatment
1. Indications
Isolated distal ulnar fracture with minimal joint stability can be treated nonoperatively because of the technical challenge of fixation related to the small dimension of the medullary canal.
2. Splinted bandage
A modified Robert Jones bandage is applied with splinting.
To avoid excessive carpal laxity at bandage removal, the splint should be positioned with 10 degrees of flexion of the carpus.
The pressure points over the bones must be well padded to avoid sores.
3. Aftercare
An Elizabethan collar is applied to avoid chewing and licking.
General guidelines for bandage care need to be followed.
The bandage should be evaluated every week.
A radiographic assessment should be performed every 4–6 weeks after injury and every 2–3 weeks in skeletally immature animals.
The bandage should be removed when there is radiographic evidence of healing (bridging at a minimum of three cortices).
