Fracture of the styloid process

[Benyona]

Dear Doctor,

I banged my left arm hard against a metal pole 2 weeks ago on the head of the ulnar. After 1.5 weeks of moderate but tolerable pain I decided to get it x-rayed (without an MD consult) and I found out I have a non-displaced fracture of the styloid process of ulnar. Due to the health care system being somewhat limited here, there is no MD specialising in orthopedics that I can see for another 3 weeks, the best I can do is see a general physician.

I believe this type of fracture is quite common. Can you tell me if this something that I can treat myself with a OTC splint (considering on the x-ray the fracture is a "hairline") or is this something that could potentially be more serious? Also, if there is potential for this to be more serious would a general physician be able to manage it appropriately?

Thank you so much for any help you may offer.

Ben

[Dr Vinod]

Apologies for delay in answering your question! It was not intentional.

This advice is good but it is always good to go to an orthopaedician and redo your X-ray and see the latest position of the fracture line. If everything is fine you can follow splinting and if not you have to go for a cast and complete immobilisation.

Your problem was the time take for diagnosis so you should help the proper healing of the bone now, as you did not have the splint initially. Take care!

[Benyona]

Hmmm... curious why mine is the only question still unanswered!

Anyway, I just saw a general physician and he said as it is only a hairline I just need to keep it in an OTC splint for a 3 more weeks, take ibuprofen to keep the inflamation down and don't use it for anything heavy and it should get better.

As I'm self employed and have a very physically active job, a speedy and full recovery is essential. Does this advice sound good? Anything else that I should or shouldn't do?!