Intramedullary Nail for Radius and Ulna: What to Know

The radius and ulna are the two bones of the forearm. A surgeon guides a metal nail through the inner channel of a fractured bone and may use locking screws to limit rotation or shortening. The choice depends on the fracture’s location, pattern, stability, soft-tissue condition and the person’s overall health. The nail is not a replacement for bone healing; it helps maintain position while new bone forms.

After surgery, the wrist, elbow and fingers may feel stiff or swollen. A temporary splint, follow-up imaging and a staged return of movement are common parts of recovery. The final plan varies because forearm rotation is especially important for turning the palm up and down.

Before the operation, tell the team about medicines, allergies, smoking or vaping, and any numbness or skin injury. Follow instructions about fasting and keeping the arm protected. Afterward, keep dressings dry as directed, elevate the hand when swelling is present, and move the fingers if your clinician permits. Do not lift, push or rotate the forearm against instructions. Attend reviews so alignment, wound healing and function can be checked. Fracture fixation surgery may be discussed when internal stabilisation is needed.

Contact the surgical team promptly for worsening pain that is not controlled, increasing redness or drainage, fever, or a wound that opens. Seek urgent care for new or increasing numbness, inability to move the fingers, fingers that become unusually pale or blue, or rapidly increasing tight swelling. A fall, new deformity or sudden loss of forearm movement also needs prompt assessment.

Ask which bone and fracture features make a nail suitable, whether screws or another fixation method are needed, when elbow and wrist movement can begin, and which activities must wait. Ask how follow-up imaging will assess healing and what symptoms should trigger a same-day call.