Objective:

To compare healing and complication rates among patients treated operatively and non-operatively for isolated distal third ulnar shaft fractures.

Approach:

• Study Design: Retrospective cohort analysis of patients with isolated distal third ulnar shaft fractures treated between 2017 and 2024.
• Cohort Identification: Patients were identified through electronic health records and categorized into operative and nonoperative cohorts based on treatment received.
• Data Collection: Data on demographics, complications, and outcomes were collected from medical records, including pain scores and radiographic union assessments.
• Statistical Analysis: An intention-to-treat framework was applied, using chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and Student’s T-tests for outcome comparisons.

Key Findings:

• 44 patients (78.6%) were managed nonoperatively and 12 (21.4%) operatively.
• Mean age was 49.0 years in the nonoperative group and 38.6 years in the operative group.
• Males constituted a greater proportion of the nonoperative cohort (61.4%) compared to the operative cohort (16.7%).
• Motor vehicle collisions were the predominant injury mechanism (42.9%).
• Complication rates and healing outcomes were not specified in the provided summary.

Limitations:

• Retrospective design may introduce bias.
• Small sample size may limit generalizability.
• Lack of systematic follow-up imaging may affect assessment of union.