[Treatment of isolated ulnar shaft fractures using Sarmiento's method].

Twenty-three patients with an isolated fracture of the ulnar shaft were treated by functional bracing as proposed by Sarmiento. Complete functional recovery was achieved quickly in all cases. No pseudarthroses occurred. In those cases in which the ulna had healed with some angulation, no clear restriction of rotation of the forearm was observed. The patients tolerated the treatment well. It is concluded that functional bracing of isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft is an elegant method of treatment with a minimal risk of complications. It is important that associated dislocation of the head of the radius is excluded before the treatment is instituted.