What is another name for a nightstick fracture?

A nightstick fracture is specifically defined as an isolated ulnar shaft fracture that typically occurs due to a direct blow or impact to the forearm. This type of fracture can often happen in scenarios where an individual tries to defend themselves against an attack, leading to force that primarily affects the ulnar bone. The ulnar bone, located on the side of the forearm opposite the thumb, is more likely to be affected in situations where the forearm is raised in a defensive posture.

While the radial shaft, humeral shaft, and forearm shaft fractures all represent different injury patterns, they do not accurately describe the specific mechanism or location of a nightstick fracture. The term "nightstick" explicitly refers to the ulnar shaft, making it synonymous with an ulnar shaft fracture and highlighting the characteristic nature of the injury. Understanding this context is crucial for correctly identifying and diagnosing nightstick fractures in clinical practice.