Abstract
We began functional bracing of fractures of the forearm after having gained experience with bracing of tibial and femoral fractures. It was initially suspected that braces similar to prostheses worn by amputees could successfully stabilize the fragments and prevent deformities. However, further experiences have indicated that the soft tissues are primarily responsible for the stability of the osseous structures. The prevention of pronosupination of the forearm is achieved by molding the proximal portion of the brace over the olecranon and condyles of the distal humerus. It was also recognized later that isolated fractures of the ulna do not require the prevention of forearm pronosupination thus leading to the conclusion that such fractures can be successfully stabilized with a “sleeve” that simply compresses the soft tissues of the forearm while permitting motion of all joints of the extremity.