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Distal Ulna Fracture With Delayed Ulnar Nerve Palsy in a Baseball Player
Charles B Pasque1, Clark Pearson, Bradley Margo
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK. charles-pasque@ouhsc.edu.
American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|February 12, 2016
Summary
A baseball player experienced an ulna fracture and delayed ulnar nerve palsy from a thrown ball. The nerve injury impacted his throwing ability, causing a 3-4 month delay in returning to baseball.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Distal ulna fractures can occur from sports-related trauma.
- Ulnar nerve palsy is a potential complication of forearm injuries.
- Delayed diagnosis of nerve involvement can impact recovery.
Observation:
- A college baseball player sustained a blunt-trauma distal-third ulna fracture.
- Ulnar nerve palsy presented later, after the fracture was sustained.
- The nerve injury impaired the athlete's throwing control.
Findings:
- The athlete experienced a 3-4 month delay in returning to full baseball activity due to ulnar nerve palsy.
- Near-complete nerve recovery was observed by 6 months post-injury.
- Full nerve recovery was achieved by 1 year after the injury.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of evaluating for nerve injury in athletes with fractures.
- Delayed ulnar nerve palsy can significantly affect athletic performance.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for optimal recovery in athletes.
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