Ulna fracture
An ulna fracture is a break in the ulna, which is one of the two main bones that make up the forearm, running from the elbow to the wrist on the side of the little finger.
Ulna fracture overview
The ulna plays a critical role in providing stability to both the elbow and wrist joints, as well as enabling forearm rotation. An ulna fracture can occur on its own, but because the ulna works closely alongside the parallel radius bone, it is common for both forearm bones to be broken simultaneously in a single injury. Ulna fractures are typically caused by a direct blow to the outside of the arm, such as an impact during contact sports or raising the arm in self-defence, or by falling onto an outstretched hand. Prompt specialist assessment is essential to ensure the bone heals in correct alignment and to prevent long-term restriction in arm or wrist movement.
What are the symptoms?
- Severe, immediate pain along the forearm or elbow
- Swelling and extensive bruising
- Visible deformity or abnormal bending in the forearm
- Difficulty or inability to bend the elbow, turn the palm up/down, or move the wrist
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the fingers or wrist (though this is less common)
How is an ulna fracture diagnosed?
Diagnosing an ulna fracture involves a detailed physical evaluation by your consultant to assess joint stability, check alignment, and test for any associated nerve or blood vessel impairment.
An X-ray is performed to confirm the fracture, identify whether the break is isolated or involves the radius, and determine if the bone fragments have shifted out of place.
Are there any risks?
Complications can occur following an ulna fracture or its repair. Potential risks include:
- Permanent reduction in forearm rotation (turning the palm up or down)
- Delayed healing or failure of the bone to unite (non-union)
- Irritation or damage to nearby nerves, causing temporary or permanent hand numbness or weakness
- Infection around the incision site or internal hardware
- Stiffness in the elbow or wrist joint
- The need for further surgery to remove irritating plates or screws once healed
Your specialist will discuss all potential risks with you in detail prior to treatment.
Treatment routes for Ulna fracture
If the break is a clean crack and the bones remain in their normal alignment, surgery is usually not required. The arm is supported in a splint or cast for a brief period before transitioning into a functional brace, allowing early controlled movement while the bone consolidates.
Recovery from an ulna fracture
Rest and immobilisation
Your arm will be protected in a cast, splint, or post-operative dressing. Focus on keeping your arm elevated to manage swelling and keeping dressings clean and dry. Gentle movement of the fingers and shoulder is encouraged to prevent stiffness.
Controlled movement
Your specialist will check your progress, remove any stitches, and review follow-up X-rays to assess bone healing. Under physical therapy guidance, you will begin gentle range-of-motion exercises for the elbow, forearm, and wrist.
Strengthening and activity return
As the bone solidifies, progressive strengthening exercises are introduced. Most non-manual daily tasks can be resumed during this phase as functional strength returns.
Full recovery
Rehabilitation focuses on restoring full load capacity, heavy lifting tolerance, and sport-specific training. Return to contact sports or heavy manual labor is guided by your consultant based on final X-ray confirmation.
Working with elbow professionals and teams
Our elbow specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their elbows. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Elbow treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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