"Nightstick Fracture"

• Typically caused by the defensive action of holding one's arm in front of one's head to avoid being struck by a blunt object, such as a policeman's baton or nightstick

Clinical Findings

• Pain and swelling at point of injury

Imaging Findings

• Transverse fracture of the shaft of the ulna
• Mid-diaphysis is common location
• Frequently, non-displaced

Treatment

• Immobilization
• Open-reduction usually not performed unless there are more than 5 mm of displacement or 10-15 degrees of angulation
• Non-union can occur in up to 5% of cases 

 
Nightstick Fracture. Lateral (left image) and frontal views of the forearm demonstrate a non-displaced, transverse fracture of the ulna (white circles).